Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.

Abstract: A sandwich component and method of producing the sandwich component are provided wherein the sandwich component has a first cover layer, a second cover layer, and a core disposed therebetween. In the sandwich component, the cover layers are each formed from an outer layer made of a fiber-reinforced high-melting-point thermoplast material and, fused therewith, an inner layer made of a low-melting-point thermoplast material. The core has outer layers, each of which is formed from a low-melting-point thermoplast material, and an inner structure, which is formed entirely or partially from a high-melting-point thermoplast material. The inner layers of the cover layers were each fused with one of the outer layers of the core.

Abstract: Incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films include two or more film layers adhesively bonded together. At least one of the two or more film layers is incrementally stretched. The incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films can have maintained or increased strength parameters despite a reduction in gauge. The incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Methods of forming incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films include cold stretching one or more of the first and second film layers and adhesively bonding the film layers together.

Abstract: A block has a front face with a first surface of non-planar roughness including at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. The front face includes a second surface that is even and generally planar, with at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. In one example, the first surface is a split face, and the second surface is a burnished split face. In another example, the first surface is a molded face, and the second surface is burnished. Methods of making a block include molding, curing, in some implementations splitting, and then burnishing. Walls can be constructed from these blocks.

Abstract: A die tool for forming a C-section component having radiused shoulders, the includes a cylindrical inner die and an outer die having a cylindrical central portion connected to opposing end flanges by respective radiused concave portions. A portion of the inner die is arranged to be disposed between the end flanges of the outer die and spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity corresponding to the desired cross-section of the C-section component to be formed. The radiused convex and concave portions have a radius of curvature that varies about the circumference of the respective inner and outer dies. The inner and outer dies are rotatable such that the radius of curvature of the radiused convex and concave portions where the inner and outer dies are adjacent to one another varies as the inner and outer dies are rotated.

Abstract: Methods for making scaffolds for delivery via a balloon catheter are described. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold structure has patterns that include an asymmetric or symmetric closed cell, and links connecting such closed cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a stretchable sheet includes a pair of gear rolls each having a plurality of teeth arranged on a circumference thereof. The apparatus is configured to draw a raw sheet by passing the raw sheet through a gap between the pair of gear rolls. The raw sheet contains a plurality of types of fibers, and has a plurality of recessed sections formed by pressing. The recessed sections are formed collinearly at least along the drawing direction at a predetermined formation pitch in the drawing direction. An arrangement pitch of the teeth in the drawing direction is greater than the formation pitch and smaller than twice the formation pitch.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant for non-woven web including: a hydro-embossing device and a thermo-embossing device for treating the non-woven web, a drive system for advancing the non-woven web along the hydro-embossing device and the thermo-embossing device system, and a control and command unit operatively connected to the hydro-embossing device and the thermo-embossing device, such that respective treatments are carried out on dedicated portions of the non-woven web.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant composite articles having improved resistance to backface deformation. The composite articles incorporate one or more vacuum panels that mitigate or eliminate shock wave energy resulting from a projectile impact to minimize transient compression of materials behind the armor.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: A shape-restoring device and a restoring method for distorted filmstrips are proposed for restoring filmstrips that are distorted due to vinegar syndrome. During the implementation of the method, the air compressor is started such that pressure reaches 0.6-0.9 MPa; three-way valves are regulated so as to introduce pressure into film-clasping cylinders and pressing-plate cylinders via diverter valves; the cylinder spindles of the film-clasping cylinders move the upper collets fixedly connected therewith, for fixing filmstrips; the cylinder spindles of the pressing-plate cylinders move the pressing plate fixedly connected therewith such that the binding underlay on the lower surface of the pressing plate contacts the heating plate; in this way, pressuring, heating and restoring are carried out. Through steps of pressing, heating, fixing filmstrips, shape-restoring and transporting the distorted filmstrips under the pressure of 0.5-0.8 MPa and the temperature of 80-90° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for forming polymer(s) including heating of a polymer to be formed to a temperature above its glass transition temperature, continuously depositing (preferably by flowing or laying) the polymer onto a moulding surface (herein the “lower moulding surface”) of a first mould, (preferably in a manner that reduces, eliminates or minimises shear stress or other stress in the polymer so deposited), the polymer remaining above the glass transition temperature, applying a moulding surface (herein the “upper surface”) of the polymer while the polymer remains at a temperature above the glass transition temperature, and allowing the polymer to transition to below the glass transition temperature while within or between the upper and lower moulding surfaces, wherein the polymer is removed from the moulding surfaces. Apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a bladder-type crimper. The crimper includes a cylindrical body comprising a cavity and a bladder assembly disposed within the cavity, wherein the bladder assembly comprises an elastic bladder and a plurality of fingers arrayed about opposite ends of the elastic bladder, wherein the cylindrical body and the bladder assembly are configured to be disposed about a tubular.

Abstract: Release base papers with improved surface properties and more efficient manufacturing potential are made using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) along with high freeness, less refined pulp. Release papers serve as the backing for common adhesive labels, for industrial film coatings, and also for certain food processing uses. The CNF may be added to the furnish and processed to paper, or the CNF may be added as a coating onto a partially dried web of paper. The CNF may optionally be combined with a starch and a starch crosslinker.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: A process is provided for making bulk textured material sheeting. As a continuous supply of flat material sheeting is fed, the sheeting is repeatedly impacted with toothed knives, each knife creating a row of raised and generally pointed structures on the sheeting to texture the sheeting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pultrusion process in which a continuous reinforcement profile is formed by canting of at least one prepreg strip composed of a fiber-reinforced plastics material. The first shaping of the profile takes place in a preform device, which is downstream of a pressure-molding device for final shaping and prehardening. The movement of the profile takes place synchronously with respect to the operating cycle of the pressure-molding device by means of a traction device. By using a cutting device, it is possible to cut the profile to length and/or to subject edges to subsequent mechanical operations to ensure that correct dimensions are maintained. A continuous (pultrusion) gusset is inserted between the prepreg strips in a radius region of the profile. The gusset has an approximately triangular cross sectional geometry and it is formed by a plurality of continuous fibers braided with one another.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and an inorganic antiblock particle which is biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the particles such that a matte or opaque appearance is obtained. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a container that includes a microwave interactive web at least partially overlying and joined to a three-dimensional support, wherein the three-dimensional support may be formed prior to having the microwave interactive web mounted thereto. The three-dimensional support may be a preformed container that is sufficiently rigid and dimensionally stable for use in containing food.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface and a mechanical fastener precursor are disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with spaced-apart, upstanding posts with base portions attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal tips; deforming the distal tips to form caps on at least some of the spaced-apart, upstanding posts to provide capped posts, wherein at least some caps upon forming touch at least one adjacent cap; and separating the capped posts. Typically, the at least some caps upon forming are shaped at least partially by the at least one adjacent cap. The mechanical fastener precursor includes a thermoplastic backing and upstanding male fastening elements with bases attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps larger in area than the cross-sectional area of the bases, wherein the bases of the male fastening elements are spaced apart, wherein at least some of the distal caps touch at least one adjacent distal cap.

Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a flexible member having a tubular wall for conveying a fluid and a circumferential structural member positioned adjacent to the tubular wall. The structural member is disposed about a central axis of the conduit so as to form a plurality of spaced segments along the wall. The segments are spaced apart relative to each other to define a gap therebetween. The gap is sized to be closed by contact between adjacent segments upon a predetermined flexure of the flexible member. A method of forming the fluid conduit includes forming a flexible member with a tubular wall and forming a groove about a central axis of the conduit in a portion of the tubular wall. The groove is formed by removing material from the tubular wall or compressing material on the tubular wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the diameter of a pipe liner to repair a damaged pipe, including means of reducing the pulling force required. This is done through use of a multi-section reduction die using a two-step reduction and pushing means for advancing the non-reduced liner portion into the die.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, including subjecting a polyethylene tape with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500,000 grams/mole, a Mw/Mn ratio of at most 6, and a 200/110 uniplanar orientation parameter of at least 3 to a force in the direction of the thickness of the tape over the entire width of the tape. A polyethylene fiber having a Mw of at least 500 000 gram/mole, a Mw/Mn ratio of at most 6, and a 020 uniplanar orientation value of at most 55°.

Abstract: A method for forming a flare in the end of a flexible tube comprises heating the end of the flexible tube to a near-melted state, inserting the end of the flexible tube into a flare-forming die with a flare forming portion, and pressing a mandrel into the end of the flexible tube, thereby pressure forming a flare in the end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: Provision of a molding material excellent in molding accuracy without using a silicone resin and suitable for use in producing a molded body having high hardness and excellent appearance; a resin film formed from the molding material; a molded body obtained by using the molding material as a starting material; and a method for producing the molded body. A molding material used as a starting material in producing a molded body, containing a (meth)acrylic resin emulsion, a polyfunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester and a polymerization initiator; a resin film formed from the molding material; a molded body including a substrate and a molding material layer formed on the substrate wherein the molding material layer is formed from the molding material; and a method for producing the molded body.

Abstract: Methods and devices control a de-curling apparatus. A roll of material is fed through a nip formed between a first roller having a concave shape and a second roller contacting the first roller. The second roller has a convex shape mirroring the concave shape. The methods and devices automatically and continually adjust the amount of pressure applied at the nip between the first roller and the second roller as the material is unrolled from the roll into the nip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be pushed out of the work station laterally relative to the production direction, a chain guide be movable vertically to the tool insert.

Abstract: A method of making an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane including the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; matting the unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; and immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE membrane. A method for making ePTFE tubes includes the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; wrapping the ePTFE membrane around a mandrel or form tool to form an ePTFE tube; matting the ePTFE tube; immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE tube; and removing the sintered ePTFE tube from the mandrel or form tool.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for producing customized items is provided. The system includes a computer interface, an extruder and a mold supported by a movable support unit, all in communication with a control unit. The extruder and support unit are activatable by the control unit to produce a customized item in accordance with the shape of the mold and design parameters associated with the customized item onto the mold. The extruder may be configured to be movable and to extrude material having elastic properties onto the mold in a single continuous extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified manufacturing method for provision of a sound tube with a pre-formed shape, especially a sound tube for use in a BTE (Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid utilizing a holder with an external surface for imparting the shape of the surface to the sound tube, a first attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a first connector at a first end of the sound tube, and a second attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a second connector at a second end of the sound tube thereby keeping the sound tube in abutting contact with at least parts of the external surface whereby the external surface imparts the shape of the surface to the sound tube.

Abstract: A caterpillar traction apparatus (110), wherein two pairs of pulleys (122 & 123, 132 & 133) can be driven at different speeds, so that the linear member (40) being driven by the mechanism is subjected to either compression or extension forces.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing a water-dispersible particulate agricultural-chemical composition having improved disintegrability/dispersibility in water, the composition having a particular size in the range of 50-1,000 ?m. The process is characterized by comprising the following steps (a) to (e): (a) a step of kneading an agricultural-chemical active ingredient, a surfactant, and water; (b) a step of extruding the resultant mixture through a screen having pores 600-2,000 ?m in diameter to form granules; (c) a step of drying the granules; (d) a step of rotating two toothed rolls with irregularities on the surface arranged in parallel to each other, and leading the dried granules to pass between the toothed rolls thereby pulverizing the granules; and (e) a step of sieving the pulverized granules.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymeric composition having a xanthene or xanthenes-based compound as a plasticizer, a method to modify the thermoplastic polymeric materials to increase their relative plasticity while maintaining good strength or “toughness” characteristics, and various articles of manufacture that can be made using the polymer composition are described.

Abstract: Provided is an in-mold label and a method for producing the in-mold label which has a heat-sealable resin layer with a plurality of interlaced and continuous-arranged micro-protrusions. While the in-mold label is combined on a surface of a specific article, the micro-protrusions may provide multiple blister-exhausting paths. As a result, it is effective to drive out the blisters as combining the label and the article. The in-mold label particularly includes a substrate made of a thermoplastic resin material, a printed layer on the substrate's one surface, and the other surface made of heat-sealable resin. With an embossing process, the heat-sealable resin layer having the interlaced and continuous-arranged micro-protrusions is formed. The in-mold label can be sealed to the article surface excellently since the micro-protrusions form the multiple paths for exhausting the blisters effectively.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cell array structure includes a first step of laminating a deformable layer capable of causing plastic deformation on a substrate, the substrate being formed with plural, mutually separated depressions on a top surface thereof, such that the deformable layer forms a mutually isolated space in each of the plural depressions; and a second step of extending the space in each of the plural depressions by causing plastic deformation in the deformable layer, such that there are formed plural columnar cells respectively in correspondence to the plural depressions.

Abstract: A method of forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes: applying a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) to at least one surface of the substrate. An arrangement (30, 90) for forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) that actuatable individually, in concert in groups of more than one, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a thin walled ePTFE tube having improved axial and radial strength includes the steps of: providing an unsintered or partially sintered ePTFE membrane; wrapping the ePTFE membrane around a mandrel or form tool to form an ePTFE tube; matting the ePTFE tube; immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE tube; removing the sintered ePTFE tube from the mandrel or form tool; stretching the sintered ePTFE tube in the axial direction; stretching the ePTFE tube in the radial direction over a second mandrel that is greater in diameter than the reduced axially stretched diameter, but less than the first mandrel diameter; overwrapping the second mandrel with a second ePTFE membrane; matting the ePTFE tube; immediately thereafter, sintering the matted ePTFE tube; and removing the sintered ePTFE tube from the second mandrel or form tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal part by producing a preform with a fibrous structure of metal fibers, and subjecting the preform to hot isostatic pressing in a tool until a solid part is obtained, the tool including at least one first element including a cavity for molding the part. The first tool element is elongate in a direction between two ends, and the fibrous structure is at least partially formed by winding at least one metal wire around the first tool element in the direction, from one end to the other. The method can be used, for example, for manufacturing reinforcement parts for a fan blade of a turbojet engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press felt for use in the press section of a paper machine. Said felt comprises a nonwoven layer lying on one of its surfaces, the surface of said layer being connected and fixed to the felt by a thermoplastic binding material. According to the invention, the surface of the nonwoven layer is smoothed by the application of pressure from a smooth surface during the cooling of said layer surface from a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the thermoplastic binding material to a temperature below the melting temperature. To manufacture the press felt, an untreated press felt, which contains the nonwoven layer and the thermoplastic binding agent is first produced, the thermoplastic binding agent being distributed in the nonwoven layer in the form of thermoplastic adhesive fibres and/or a thermoplastic adhesive component of bicomponent fibres.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube array on a substrate is provided. The carbon nanotube array is divided with a separating line to form a strip-shaped carbon nanotube array. A carbon nanotube film is pulled out from the strip-shaped carbon nanotube array.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlled shrinking of molten plastic sheet material comprises a series of parallel cylindrical rollers for moving the plastic sheet material from a first position to a second position. At least one heater is aligned with the rollers for maintaining the plastic sheet material in a molten state while the rollers move the plastic sheet material, and a drive mechanism rotates the rollers so that the tangential speed of the rollers progressively decreases from the first position toward the second position. As a result of the progressive decrease in tangential speed of the rollers, the speed of the plastic sheet material is progressively reduced as the plastic sheet material approaches the second position, so that portions of the plastic sheet material closer to the second position move toward the second position more slowly than portions of the plastic sheet material further from the second position.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymeric composition including a xanthene or xanthenes-based compound as a plasticizer, a method to modify the thermoplastic polymeric materials to increase their relative plasticity, and various articles of manufacture that can be made using the polymer composition are described.

Abstract: A device for treating a continuously conveyed thread group in order to produce tyre cord has a roller pair for locally softening the thread group, wherein each roller (3, 4) is provided with a toothing formation. When the thread group is guided through between the rollers (3, 4), it is deformed by the mechanical loading of the teeth. The rollers (3, 4) can be driven in a separate manner directly or indirectly by way of actuable electric motors, as a result of which the gap spacings (A) and (B) can be set precisely identically. The axle spacing (C) of the two rollers (3, 4) can be set depending on the fabric thickness and the fabric type.

Abstract: A flexible preform for producing, by heating and shaping, a component based on natural fibres, the preform being including a core made of a nonwoven of natural fibres, at least one surface of which is bonded to a woven fabric made of natural fibres.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a coated polymeric film which comprises performing in sequence the steps of: (i) forming a substrate layer comprising poly(ethylene naphthalate) having a thickness in a range from 50 ?m to 250 ?m; (ii) stretching the substrate layer in at least one direction; (iii) heat-setting the substrate layer under dimensional restraint at a tension in the range of about 19 to about 75 kg/m of film width, at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the poly(ethylene naphthalate) but below the melting temperature thereof; (iv) heat-stabilizing the substrate layer under a tension of less than 5 kg/m of film width, and at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the poly(ethylene naphthalate) but below the melting temperature thereof; and (v) disposing a coating layer on a surface of the substrate layer by a process comprising applying a planarizing coating composition thereto such that a surface of said coating layer exhibits an Ra value of less than 0.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing structures having a plurality of stems extending away from a fenestrated base to undercut islands projecting over fenestrations in the base. Such structures include slidingly-engaging fastener portions, self-engaging fasteners, uni-directional stepped fasteners, fastening segments integral with larger product components, and other structures with similar aspects. The method includes providing a set of partially bypassing dies to define a fenestrated common cavity contiguous with pluralities of undercut stem chambers and a terminal chamber, filling the cavity with a ductile moldable material, engaging the dies, and releasing the resultant product.

Abstract: A fibrous structure including filaments wherein the filaments comprise one or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use, the fibrous structure further having at least two regions with different properties, in particular wherein each region has different average densities. Methods of treating fabrics with a fibrous structure are also provided herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing benzoxazine-thiol polymer film is described comprising forming a rolling bank of a curable composition comprising a polybenzoxazine and a polythiol, wherein the rolling bank contacts first and second carrier substrates; passing the first and second substrates with the curable composition therebetween through a nip; and at least partially curing the curable composition to provide the corresponding polymeric layer. The compositions are useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.