Abstract: A glass substrate having an oleophobic surface. The surface is substantially free of features that form a reentrant geometry and includes a plurality of gas-trapping features extending from the surface to a depth below the surface and a coating comprising at least one of a fluoropolymer and a fluorosilane. The gas-trapping features are substantially isolated from each other, and trap gas below droplets to prevent wetting of the surface.

Abstract: Super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning articles produced by imprinting exposed surfaces with suitable fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic embossing dies to transfer a dual surface structure, including ultra-fine features less than or equal to 100 nm embedded in and overlaying a surface topography with macro-surface structures greater than or equal to 1 micron are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention proposes an embossed sheet (10) comprising at least one ply (12) of tissue having an embossing pattern comprising at least one series of protuberances (18) formed projecting from one surface of the said ply (12) of tissue, and at least one ply joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue and located opposite the said surface of the ply (14) of water-soluble material, characterized in that the ply (14) of water-soluble material is joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue at the summits (18a) of at least part of the protuberances (18). The invention also proposes a method for manufacturing such a multi-ply sheet (10).

Abstract: A tire having aggressive tread features with improvements in uniformity that can also improve endurance is provided along with a method and apparatus for manufacturing such a tire. The tire and its manner of manufacture can achieve a reduction or elimination of certain non-uniformities that can occur during the molding of large tread blocks. The reduction or removal of these non-uniformities can improve temperature performance to provide increased tire endurance.

Abstract: A product (10) made from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product (10) is provided. The extruded web or extrudate (42) is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14a) may have one or more openings (34a), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14a) and reducing the weight of the product (10a).

Abstract: An in-mold-decoration method for plastic articles is provided. An uninterrupted film is provided and transported into a mold. A predetermined area of the film attaches to an inner surface of a cavity of a female mold of the mold. The predetermined area of the film is cut from the uninterrupted film during closing the mold.

Abstract: A product 10 made from an extruded sheet or web of material 42 having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product 10 is provided. The extruded web or extrudate 42 is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate 42 is formed into a product 10 having a plurality of cells 14. Optionally, the cells 14a can include one or more openings 34a, allowing access to an interior of the cell 14a and reducing the weight of the product 10a.

Abstract: An intermittent film forming system is provided, comprising a mold having a fine projections and depressions shape formed on the surface, a press for pressing a film to the surface of the mold, a transportation for carrying the film, and a releasing device for releasing the film from the mold surface. The releasing device is provided with a stripper roll for stripping the film, a means for rotary driving the stripper roll, an auxiliary roll arranged substantially in parallel with the stripper roll across a film path line, a means for moving the auxiliary roll on the periphery of the stripper roll such that the film embraces the stripper roll, and a guide for moving the stripper roll and the auxiliary roll in the vicinity of the surface of the mold in parallel therewith, while maintaining the relative positional relationship that the film embraces the stripper roll.

Abstract: An optical sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a first master including a first three-dimensional structure, a second master including a second three-dimensional structure, a first processing unit to heat a first surface of a resin sheet to a first temperature and transfer the first three-dimensional structure onto the first surface heated, a second processing unit to cool the first surface to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, heat a second surface of the resin sheet to a third temperature higher than the second temperature, and transfer the second three-dimensional structure onto the second surface heated, a third processing unit to cool the second surface to a fourth temperature lower than the third temperature, a first conveyance mechanism to perform conveyance from the first processing unit to the second processing unit, and a second conveyance mechanism to perform conveyance from the second processing unit to the third processing unit.

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 forming micro-structures on a molded particle, comprises: providing a mold with a male mold and a female mold defining a mold cavity, providing an attachment film with micro-structures; transporting the attachment film into the mold, and providing a predetermined section of the attachment film closely to the mold cavity; closing the mold, wherein a parting surface of the male mold and the parting surface of the female mold do not contact each other; closing the mold again, and enabling the parting surface of the male mold and the parting surface of the female mold to contact each other, and cutting the predetermined section from the attachment film; stopping injecting plastic material; opening the mold and pushing out a molded article with micro-structures. A molded article formed by the foregoing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a transversely curved or formed strip of material which can be cut to length for use in a fabric for coverings for architectural opening includes a supply role of a flexible fabric strip material that is sequentially passed through a heating chamber with an elongated upwardly convex extrusion across which the strip material is drawn and a cooling station before being wrapped on a take-up drum. The apparatus includes driven rollers about which the strip material passes and the strip material is exposed to tension detectors and controlled temperatures such that the strip material formed in the apparatus is uniform along its length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising deforming an organic polymer composition at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of an organic polymer in the organic polymer composition; the deforming being conducted by an application of a shear force, an elongational force, a compressive force, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing forces; the forces being applied to the organic polymer composition as it is disposed between a first roll that comprises a rubber surface and a second roll that comprises a textured metal surface; the deforming producing a textured film having a ratio of texturing of about 0.5 to about 3; the textured film having a thickness of about 5 to about 75 micrometers and an average roughness of about 0.3 to about 6 micrometers on opposing surfaces of the film.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising a polymer sheet having desirable surface properties, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising poly(vinyl butyral) having a finished surface of relatively low waviness and high roughness disposed in contact with poly(ethylene terephthalate) and/or other poly(vinyl butyral) type layers.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for manufacturing a non-woven fabric provided with optimum softness and resistance characteristics, as well as attractive appearance. Particularly, the invention relates to a process and equipment for manufacturing non-woven fabrics (NWF) both of the spun-lace type, either spunbonded and carded (hydro-entangled NWF), and the non-woven fabrics thereby obtained by means of hydro-embossing and thermo-embossing treatments.

Abstract: Super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning articles produced by imprinting exposed surfaces with suitable fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic embossing dies to transfer a dual surface structure, including ultra-fine features less than or equal to 100 nm embedded in and overlaying a surface topography with macro-surface structures greater than or equal to 1 micron are disclosed.

Abstract: An imprint method, in which pattern forming is performed by having a light curable material applied on a sample face of a substrate being a processing target hardened by being exposed to light in a state where the light curable material and a pattern formed surface of a template contact each other, the pattern formed surface having a concave-convex pattern formed thereon; wherein in one exposure performed with respect to a predetermined shot of the light curable material, an exposure amount at a light curable material on a first region which contacts a pattern formed region including the concave-convex pattern of the template is greater than an exposure amount at a light curable material on a second region which at least contacts a part of a pattern periphery region of the template, the pattern periphery region existing in a periphery of the pattern formed region of the template.

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 pattern is used to form a stent scaffold from a polymeric precursor tube having a particular outer diameter. A new pattern can be derived from a base pattern, wherein the new pattern can be used to form a stent scaffold from a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR smaller than that needed for the base pattern. The new pattern can be derived by determining the shape of a stent scaffold, having the base pattern, after having been radially compressed to ODPR. The radially compressed shape is used to design the new pattern, which is applied to a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR. The new pattern can have a plurality of W-shaped closed cells, each W-shape closed cell bounded by struts oriented in such a way to form interior angles from about 80 degrees to about 95 degrees between every two adjacent struts.

Abstract: A sieve for the wet-end section of a paper machine is described, in which the sieve has been compressed by at least one of increased temperature, pressure and/or moisture. Such a treatment leads to a sieve which has at least one side wherein the thread floats and knuckles are reshaped and the sieve presents at least one substantially flatter surface for the production of paper. This process does not cause any physical damage to the surface of the sieve, as current techniques of abrasively polishing the surface do, and therefore leads to cloths with improved properties and lifetimes.

Abstract: The device for satinizing and embossing metallized or surface-treated packaging foils comprises three embossing rolls, all three embossing rolls cooperating with one another and the packaging foil being capable of being passed under pressure between the first and the second and between the first and the third embossing rolls in order to produce a satin-finish and a pattern. The first, driven embossing roll has a tooth array composed of individual teeth that are arranged in a homogenous grid, and the other two embossing rolls each have a surface structure that differs from that of the first embossing roll. At least one of the additional embossing rolls has structural elements that are arranged individually or in groups but not in the same grid as on the first roll, the structural element being composed of individual teeth and being arranged circularly on the embossing roll. Such an arrangement provides an effective breaking of the paper substrate of the foil and thus a surface having improved properties.

Abstract: A structure of a subject such as a card, a bank note, or a stock certificate easily faked and needing authenticity validation and a method for judging the authenticity of the subject. An authenticity validation chip having structural color developers irregularly arranged is attached to a card. An optical sensor detects the arrangement of the structural color developers to individually recognize the card or judge its authenticity. To validate the authenticity, when or after the card is taken in, the information in the authenticity validation chip provided on the card is read. Each of the structural color developers is a transparent resin flake or a transparent resin thin layer. The information is read two-dimensionally with a camera, and the authenticity of the authenticity validation chip is judged by observing the distributed state of the structural color developers. Alternatively, the information can be read linearly.

Abstract: An optical film characterized by a high degree of flatness that can be used as a phase difference film of a liquid crystal display, and a method for manufacturing this optical film according to melt-casting film forming method. A melt including a cellulose resin is extruded onto a rotary support member 5 (cooling roll) from a flow casting die 4. A rotary pinch member 6 (touch roll) is energized to the rotary support member 5, and a nip is formed between them. When the melt is sandwiched and pressed by the nip, a die line and irregularity in thickness are removed. The linear pressure of the rotary pinch member 6 and the temperature of the melt immediately before the melt is sandwiched and pressed by the nip are set within a predetermined range, whereby effective correction of the film flatness is achieved.

Abstract: A fine-structure transfer method in which a fine-featured pattern formed on one of the two surfaces of a stamper is pressed against a coating of a resist on one of the two surfaces of a transfer element so as to transfer the fine-featured pattern to the resist coating, wherein the atmosphere in the space between the stamper and the transfer element is replaced by the vapor of the resist before the stamper is pressed against the transfer element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for surface structuring, that is to say, for meaning forming at least one array of patterns with a submillimeter scale characteristic lateral dimension on a flat surface of a product comprising a substrate bearing at least one layer resulting from a sol-gel process, where the structuring is done hot with a hydrolyzed sol layer based on alkoxides and/or halide(s) of at least one metal chosen among Si, Ti, Zr, W, Sb, Hf, Ta, V, Mg, Al, Mn, Co, Ni, Sn, Zn, and Ce with a nonreactive organic group, where the structuring is carried out by contact with a structured mask and exerting pressure as needed, and where the structuring is carried out in a temperature range suited for a sufficient condensation threshold ensuring the thermal hold of the structuring, with a total structuring time less than or equal to two hours. The invention also covers the resulting product.

Abstract: An intermittent film forming system is provided, comprising a mold having a fine projections and depressions shape formed on the surface, a press for pressing a film to the surface of the mold, a transportation for carrying the film, and a releasing device for releasing the film from the mold surface. The releasing device is provided with a stripper roll for stripping the film, a means for rotary driving the stripper roll, an auxiliary roll arranged substantially in parallel with the stripper roll across a film path line, a means for moving the auxiliary roll on the periphery of the stripper roll such that the film embraces the stripper roll, and a guide for moving the stripper roll and the auxiliary roll in the vicinity of the surface of the mold in parallel therewith, while maintaining the relative positional relationship that the film embraces the stripper roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an absorbent sheet comprising at least two plies of cellulose wadding, consisting in combining said plies under pressure by passing between two steel cylindrical components, the first being smooth on the outside and the second being equipped with raised components on the outside and the hardness of the first cylindrical component being lower than that of the second cylindrical component. According to the invention, the first cylindrical component has a treated hardened surface layer and a deformable underlayer; the second cylindrical component has a hardened outer surface, and the sheet, when it passes between the two cylindrical components is compressed at a specific pressure between 40 and 250 N/mm2. Another subject of the invention is an assembly of steel cylindrical components intended for the manufacture of multiply absorbent sheets.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided.

Abstract: An intermittent film forming system is provided, comprising a mold having a fine projections and depressions shape formed on the surface, a press for pressing a film to the surface of the mold, a transportation for carrying the film, and a releasing device for releasing the film from the mold surface. The releasing device is provided with a stripper roll for stripping the film, a means for rotary driving the stripper roll, an auxiliary roll arranged substantially in parallel with the stripper roll across a film path line, a means for moving the auxiliary roll on the periphery of the stripper roll such that the film embraces the stripper roll, and a guide for moving the stripper roll and the auxiliary roll in the vicinity of the surface of the mold in parallel therewith, while maintaining the relative positional relationship that the film embraces the stripper roll.

Abstract: The method for making a continuous laminate, in particular suitable as a spar cap or another part of a wind energy turbine rotor blade comprises the steps of providing a plurality of parallel fibers, embedding the fibers in a curable matrix material, curing the matrix material so as to obtain a fiber reinforced laminate having upper and lower major surfaces, and forming channels into at least one of the upper and lower major surfaces of the laminate wherein the channels on the upper and/or lower major surfaces are angled with respect to the direction of the fibers.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label assembly and an apparatus for applying heat-transfer labels. In a preferred embodiment, the heat-transfer label assembly includes a support. A plurality of labels are positioned over the support for transfer from the support to an article, each of the labels including an ink design. A plurality of spacers are positioned over the support but not over the label, the spacers not being transferable with the labels from the support to an article. The distance from the top of the spacers to the support exceeds the distance from the top of the labels to the support so that, when the assembly is wound into a roll, the labels do not come into contact with the bottom surface of an underlying portion of the support. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for applying heat-transfer labels includes a pad, a die-mark reduction device on the pad, a heated die positioned over the pad, and a motor for moving the heated die into and out of engagement with the die-mark reduction device.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a light guiding panel by means of carving fine engravings on a surface of a transparent substrate by plasting fine particles and an apparatus for the same. A distributed degree of the engravings gradually increases as they become far away from a light source position. The light guiding panel which has been so manufactured does not need a diffusion sheet and has a good brightness uniformity and a good light effectiveness.

Abstract: While releasing property between a resin layer and an imprinting mold is given by using a metal thin film layer, a method for manufacturing a substrate advantageous for forming a conductive layer by plating and a substrate manufactured by the method are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a substrate by imprinting, the method comprising: laminating a metal thin film layer on top of a resin layer; pressurizing the resin layer and the metal thin film layer by an imprinting mold which comprises a side having a pattern in correspondence with a wiring pattern; curing a resin which forms the resin layer; and removing the imprinting mold from the resin layer and the metal thin film layer, may be presented.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. The web may be a cellulosic fibrous web, a portion of which is lignin-rich, high coarseness fiber having generally tubular fiber configuration. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.

Abstract: Stretch film is treated by passing a web of tackifier-containing, unbloomed thin polymer film through a heater so that the web is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause tackifier bloom prior to the web reaching a next stage in an in-line process. Also, a pattern can be applied to a thin polymer film. An oriented web of thin polymer film is passed across at least one heated roller having the pattern engraved thereon to define face regions and relief regions collectively conforming to the pattern. As the web contacts each roller surface, portions of the web positioned over the relief regions receive less heat than portions of the web positioned over the face regions, thereby causing the respective portions of the web to undergo differential, heat-induced shrinkage which imparts the pattern to the thin polymer film.

Abstract: Stretch film is treated by passing a web of tackifier-containing, unbloomed thin polymer film through a heater so that the web is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause tackifier bloom prior to the web reaching a next stage in an in-line process. Also, a pattern can be applied to a thin polymer film. An oriented web of thin polymer film is passed across at least one heated roller having the pattern engraved thereon to define face regions and relief regions collectively conforming to the pattern. As the web contacts each roller surface, portions of the web positioned over the relief regions receive less heat than portions of the web positioned over the face regions, thereby causing the respective portions of the web to undergo differential, heat-induced shrinkage which imparts the pattern to the thin polymer film.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for forming fine structure lithography comprises: a belt-like mold having a fine structure for imprint lithography formed on a surface of the belt-like mold; a cylindrical pressurizing mechanism including a pair of opposed rolls for pressurizing the belt-like mold against the surface of the imprinting object; and a supporting member for supporting the imprinting object at a position between the rolls of the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism. The belt-like mold, the imprinting object and the supporting member are configured to move to the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a mutually non-contact state, and then at the position between the rolls, be pressurized by the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a state where the imprinting object is positioned between the belt-like mold and the supporting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, comprising the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of said layer until the amount in weight of the fibers in said layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing said layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying said embossed layer using a drying system to form a web of tissue paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, comprising the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of said layer until the weight percentage of fiber in said layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing said layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying said layer to form a web of tissue paper.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an elongated panel formed of synthetic materials including a polymer resin matrix, a filler and a fiber reinforcement. The process includes depositing the curable composition on a conveyor belt, distributing and leveling the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compression apparatus in which the curable composition is partially cured as it is compressed to form the panel. The machine for manufacturing the composite panel includes a mixer for the polymer system, filler and fiber reinforcement, a distribution apparatus that distributes the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compacting apparatus. The process and machine may be used to form a composite siding board that includes a grain pattern on at least one side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable composition for nanoimprinting, which includes one or more polymerizable monomers, in which one or more monofunctional radically polymerizable monomers occupy 90 percent by weight or more of the one or more polymerizable monomers, and the one or more monofunctional radically polymerizable monomers give a polymer having a glass transition temperature of 25° C. or higher. The one or more monofunctional radically polymerizable monomers are preferably at least one compound selected from (meth)acrylic ester compounds, styrenic compounds, and vinyl ether compounds.

Abstract: In the method for the authentication of identification features that are embossed on a packaging foil together with satin-finishing and the embossing of logos, a number of identification features is embossed on-line as a pattern and read by a suitable apparatus and evaluated by means of an image evaluation method. The embossing device (1) suitable therefor includes at least two embossing rollers (2, 3, 15), a reading unit, and an evaluating unit, one of the embossing rollers (2) being driven by the motor drive mechanism (5) and having individual teeth (8) of which a number of teeth for embossing identification features have a different shape, height, or surface structure while the remaining teeth serve for satin-finishing, and one of the mating rollers (3) being provided with circumferential rings (10). Such a method and such a device allow a relatively simpler embossing device with relatively lower requirements with regard to the embossing quality than in methods of the prior art.

Abstract: There is provided a nanoimprint apparatus. The nanoimprint apparatus transfers a pattern formed on a surface of a mold to a transfer layer which is formed partially or entirely on a side surface of a substantially cylindrical or columnar substrate. The nanoimprint apparatus includes: a first jig which is in contact with the substrate 102; a second jig which rotatably supports the first jig; a press unit which is connected to the second jig to press the substrate on the mold 104 through the first and second jigs; and a movable holding unit which holds the mold and moves the mold 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a pressing force.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web includes providing a precursor web a first forming structure having a plurality of discrete first forming elements and a first pressure source and applying pressure between the first pressure source and the first forming structure to force the precursor web to conform to the first forming elements of to form a first embossed web having a plurality of first discrete extended elements. The first embossed web is then provided between a second forming structure having a plurality of discrete second forming elements and a second pressure source and pressure is applied between the second pressure source and the second forming structure to force the first embossed web to conform to the second forming elements to form a second embossed web having a plurality of second discrete extended elements. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of first and second discrete extended elements.