Abstract: A dispensing valve for flowable material comprises a valve plate (26) of resilient polymeric material in which at least one elongate discontinuity is formed. The discontinuity defines at least one valve flap (28) which is an integral part of the valve plate but whose margin defined by the discontinuity is not connected to the adjacent material of the valve plate. The valve flap (28) is movable under the application of pressure from a closed position, in which the adjacent margins of the discontinuity form a substantial seal, to an open position, in which the margins for the discontinuity are spaced from one another and material can flow through the valve member. The polymeric material is a polyolefin material and the discontinuity is a rupture line. The margins defining the rupture line are of decreasing thickness towards their free edge and overlie one another.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training that include materials that better mimic natural human tissue are disclosed. In one aspect, methods of forming multi-layer tissue simulations are provided. In another aspect, methods of forming a male genitalia model are provided. In another aspects, methods of forming an abdominal surgical wall insert are provided. Devices and systems associated with these methods are also provided.

Abstract: An injection mold assembly for manufacturing multiple-component articles includes opposed first and second mold halves and mold cores carried by the first mold half. Each of the mold cores is mounted for rotation between a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation. The mold halves are mounted for movement in reciprocal directions along an axis of reciprocation between an open position and a closed position forming molding cavities between the mold cores and the second mold halves. The axes of rotation of the mold cores are different from one another.

Abstract: A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material.

Abstract: A spindle motor tray adhesive dispensing method and supplementary apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base block and a pressure block. The base block supports the tray to be processed, having a blind hole for receiving one end of the center axle of the tray and three adhesive troughs around the blind hole. The pressure block pressed on the tray above the base block and axially movable relative to the base block, having a guide hole for receiving the other end of the center axle of the tray. An open space is defined above the base block around the pressure block within which an adhesive dispenser is movable to dispense a polymer adhesive to the through holes on the tray and the adhesive troughs of the base block to form rubber pads at the tray when cured.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method includes performing lithography processes for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a three-dimensional stacked device. The stacked device includes layers stacked above a substrate. Each of the layers includes a device circuit. The lithography processes include a lithography process for forming a lower layer of the layers by using a first original plate that has quality not less than a certain level. The first original plate is selected from original plates. Each of the original plates includes a pattern corresponding to the device circuit. The original plates are ranked according to quality based on defect. The lithography processes further include a lithography process for forming a higher layer of the layers by using a second original plate that has quality lower than the certain level. The second original plate is selected from the original plates.

Abstract: A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.

Abstract: A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: Tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer includes an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and to a device fro producing a molded port having a plurality of different decorative regions that abut each other, wherein the different decorative films (9, 10) are inserted into a molding tool (1) by a gripper (4). There they are fixed be means of sliders (8) and are then back molded with a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A preventative maintenance method of strengthening the connection between high pressure, in situ piping. An encapsulation mold is installed over a properly functioning, non-leaking coupling or joint interconnecting pipe sections carrying gas in excess of 60 psi. A resin sealant having tensile strength in excess of 3000 psi fills the mold, so that it circumscribes the coupling and adjacent portions of the pipe sections extending from the coupling, forming a permanent bond to the coupling and pipe sections. The method prevents high pressure pipe connection pullout, which otherwise could lead to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component injection moulding method for producing a sleeve-shaped preform as well as to a perform which has at least two layers, said method comprising at least two process steps including at least two cavities and at least one injection mould core that can be used for both cavities, and wherein during the first process step, the first layer which has at least one first and at least one second area extending partially in the circumferential direction of the preform, is injected onto the injection mould core within the first cavity, with the second area having a substantially lower layer thickness than the first area, and during the second process step, the second layer is deposited on the first layer which is located on the injection mould core in the second cavity in such a way that only the second area of the first layer is completely covered by the second layer, or during the first process step, the first area of the first layer is deposited partially on the injection mould

Abstract: A large area patterned film includes a first patterned area; a second patterned area; and a seam joining the first patterned area and the second patterned area, wherein the seam has a width less than about 20 micrometers. A method for tiling patterned areas includes depositing a predetermined thickness of a curable material; contacting a first portion of the curable material with a mold; curing the first portion of the curable material; removing the mold from the cured first portion of the curable material; contacting a second portion of the curable material with the mold, such that the mold contacts a portion of the cured first portion of the curable material; curing the second portion of the curable material; and removing the mold to yield a seam between the cured first portion of the curable material and the cured second portion of the curable material, wherein the seam has a dimension less than about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: A component of a laser processing machine includes an aluminum base member in which a duct is constructed in order to convey copper-ionized water. The duct has a corrosion-resistant plastic coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a polymeric implantable medical device using gel extrusion of high molecular weight polymers or charge-induced orientation to avoid heat degradation of the polymer that might occur during conventional heat extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides divided-end artificial limbs and methods for making divided-end artificial limbs that are inexpensive, simple, and customizable. A limb is formed by dividing an end of an elongated shaft member into extending prongs that are shaped into custom lengths and curvatures. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides affixing a sole plate to the limb, reinforcement of the prongs by nesting additional prongs within the elongated shaft member, dividing the proximal end of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart fingers, and dividing a midsection of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart flexing vanes. The present invention also provides that the prongs may be further modified by division into toe and heel extensions or by wrapping a prong around another prong to form a sole. Methods of reducing stress concentration using bolts and stress relief holes in these limbs are also presented.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: In a method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includes two outer platens with first half-molds, and a middle platen with second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, one of the first and second half-molds can move in increments relative to the other one of the first and second half-molds, thereby forming different cavities in the parting planes from cycle to cycle. In a first cycle preforms are produced in respective cavities and then held in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one of the first and second half-molds moves in increments. Further components can then be injected into cavities formed in the parting planes from cycle to cycle, while another process step can be executed from cycle to cycle in free half-molds.

Abstract: The synthetic resin moldings are molded pressing the bottom force 210 to the top force for feeding 103, followed by feeding the melted synthetic resin raw material to the opening portion 2101 of the bottom force 210 through said feeding path 1023 of the top force for feeding 103, thereby filling said synthetic resin in the cavity in the mold CT1 made up by closing the mold with this top force for feeding 103 and the bottom force 210, followed by pushing down the bottom force 210, and extending said synthetic resin raw material contained in said feeding path 1023 and tearing off at the portion X where the raw material has prescribed amount of resin blocks RX for molding, pushing up this bottom force 210 in which these torn resin blocks RX are placed and remained to the top force for molding 104, thereby closing the mold and compressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a pre-pleated catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a folding head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The folding head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and defining a central aperture The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is folded around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub.

Abstract: A transport belt for a food processing machine and a manufacturing method thereof is provided. The transport belt comprising a first portion comprising a first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness; and a second portion comprising a second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness. The first durometer of hardness is different than the second durometer of hardness. The first portion provides a surface for food materials to be processed.

Abstract: Certain polymer materials, including perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, have been found to be capable of being deformed from an initial permanent shape into three or more temporary shapes. An article thus formed from such a polymer material may be used initially in a final temporary shape. As the article is progressively heated, the polymer composition reverts successively from its final temporary shape through its intermediate temporary shapes. If a suitable temperature is reached, the original permanent shape is recovered. The article may be devised to serve successive functions in each of its several shapes.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device from a PLLA/PDLA blend such as a stent with improved fracture toughness are disclosed. The blend is melt processed to allow formation of stereocomplex crystallites, which are nucleation sites for crystal growth. A polymer construct is formed from the melt processed blend and device is formed from the polymer construct. The stereocomplex crystallites result in an in increase in nucleation density and reduced crystal size, which increases fracture toughness of the formed device.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool.

Abstract: An energy supply unit (1) for an electrical device comprises a housing (2, 3) having an outer wall and an electrical energy source arranged in the housing (2, 3). A non-reclosable tear-open closure (10, 13) is provided such that the energy source can be removed in order to be disposed of separately but the energy supply unit cannot be equipped with a new energy source.

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

Abstract: In a process for producing a microneedle (12) that can be inserted into body tissue in which a needle tip (20) and a preferably capillary collecting channel (14) having a distal inlet for body fluid formed at the needle tip (20) are formed, it is provided that at least part of a preform (38) prefabricated from a flat material is shaped into a tubular structure (22) so that the collecting channel (14) is at least substantially annularly closed in the cross-section in the area of the tubular structure (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-absorbent resin composition for laser welding whereby transparency can be maintained and stable laser welding is possible. The light-absorbent resin composition for laser welding includes a resin and laser-light-absorbent nanoparticles, wherein the laser-light-absorbent nanoparticles are nanoparticles of tungsten oxide indicated by the general formula WyOz, and/or nanoparticles of composite tungsten oxide indicated by the general formula MxWyOz.

Abstract: A post dilatation balloon catheter includes a balloon member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than a maximum dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon member is arranged into a folded state by folding at least one of the distal and proximal portions of the balloon member in a separate step from folding the circumferential bulge portion.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a socket for connecting a fluid conduit to a container made from thermoplastic synthetic material, wherein the socket has a first socket-shaped material arrangement of at least one layer and a second socket-shaped material arrangement of at least one layer, wherein the first material arrangement is thinner than the second material arrangement and the first and second material arrangements are both made of thermoplastic material at least predominantly and fuse with one another to form a fused joint, the first material arrangement is molded by extrusion or injection molding to a plane film or plate or to a hose. The film or plate is deepdrawn or the hose is blowmolded to a first preform with a socket contour. The second material arrangement is applied onto one side of the first preform in a socket contour by injection molding, coinjection or a monosandwich process.

Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing and a display module. The display module can include a protective top glass cover that is bonded to a plastic display frame and surrounded by a seal frame. The display module can also include a display panel and its associated circuitry suspended from the display frame below the protective glass cover. The display module is coupled to the single piece housing using mounting clips in a manner that allows the display module to move relative to the single piece housing during an impact event. The plastic display frame can include inserts that provide structural support near openings in the single piece housing.

Abstract: A process for preparing interior trim components of a motor vehicle from a support having at least two decorative layers, wherein in a first step the decorative layers are heated to a specific temperature range and are e ared b molding, in a second step the decorative layers are trimmed, and in a third step the decorative layers are positioned in mutual orientation and fixed by reduced pressure, and in a fourth step the decorative layers are transferred to a backing mold and molded with component support (1) on the surface opposite.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: An accessory attachment clip for watercraft, attached to the watercraft without tools or hardware, and formed of a molded plastic or hard rubber first portion for fastening to the watercraft, and a second portion for attaching an accessory or accessory holder. The second portion is sized so as to be expanded when being positioned on the gunnels and to contract for an accurate fit. A set screw assists in securing the second portion. The accessory holder may be for a fishing rod or drinking cup. The clip may be attached to the gunnels by expanding the clip, sliding the clip over the gunnels, and releasing the clip. The set screw may be fastened to further secure the clip. The clip may be produced by forming within a mold, the plastic or hard rubber first portion, and the second portion. The set screw may be included in the molding process.

Abstract: Cast material rotor (200,300,500,800) with profiled helical outer surface (208,308,508,808). Cast material layer (502,802) can be disposed between core (504,804) and tube (506,806). Profiled helical outer surface (208,308) can be in tube 206 or cast material layer 302, respectively. Method of forming rotor 200 can include filling void between outer surface 212 of core 204 and longitudinal bore 210 of tube 206 having profiled helical outer surface 208 with cast material 202 in fluid state, and solidifying cast material 202. Tube 206 can be disposed within profiled helical bore 714 of mold 700, e.g., before solidifying cast material 202. Method of forming rotor 300 can include filling void between outer surface 312 of core 304 and profiled helical bore 714 in mold 700 with cast material 302 in fluid state, solidifying cast material 302 to impart profiled helical outer surface 308 thereto, and removing mold 700 from cast material 302.

Abstract: An imprint method includes (i) holding a mold by a first holding portion, (ii) holding, by a second holding portion, a member to be processed so that the member to be processed is capable of bending by its own weight, (iii) supporting, by a support portion, a back surface of the member to be processed in a first area so that an amount of the bending is decreased, (iv) pressing a pattern of the mold against a front surface of the member to be processed, which is supported by the support portion in the first area, (v) supporting, by the support portion, the back surface of the member to be processed in a second area different from the first area, so that the amount of the bending is decreased, by changing a relative position between the member to be processed and the support portion, and (vi) pressing the pattern of the mold against the front surface of the member to be processed, which is supported by the support portion in the second area.

Abstract: A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a thermal interface material. A carbon nanotube array on a substrate is provided. The carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube array are slanted toward a central axis of the carbon nanotube array. A liquid matrix material is compounded with the carbon nanotube array. Additionally, the liquid matrix material is solidified.

Abstract: A hair removal device comprising a thermoplastic elastomer disposed on a portion of the hair removal device and one or more projections extending from the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is polar and hydrophilic.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for simulating a neon sign and method of making is provided. An outer housing having a central opening and defining a perimeter of the lighting apparatus can be connected with an inner housing configured as a plurality of symbols for conveying a message. Mounted within the interior of the outer and inner housing can be a series of lighting units such as SMD light emitting diodes. Respective outer housing and inner housing can have a cross-sectional inverted U-shape capped by a base member with the upper member having a curved diffuser for transmitting light through a transmissive plastic resin while integrally mounted black or opaque straight legs of a U-shape can enhance the simulated neon glow.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: Provided are filtration matrixes formed from adsorptive media, such as activated carbon, and polymeric binder for use in water filtration systems. A first aspect of the invention provides methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing an adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; impulse filling a mold with the mixture; and processing the mixture to form the filtration matrix. Filtration matrixes formed from this method are also provided. Another aspect includes methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; filling a mold with the mixture; and applying heat and pressure the mixture to form the filtration matrix, wherein the step of applying pressure to the mixture comprises compressing the mixture until a desired final shape of the filtration matrix is obtained.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping an airfoil. A prepreg assembly is positioned relative to a part in a plurality of parts for a tool for the airfoil using a positioning section for a frame. The positioning section is configured to move relative to the tool and a base of the frame and move a number of parts in the plurality of parts for the tool relative to each other. A number of sections in the prepreg assembly are heated. A force is applied to the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool to cause the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool with a shape for a component of the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for thermal and/or acoustic insulation comprising an expanded elastomeric and/or thermoplastic elastomer blend based on styrenic organic polymer and chlorinated organic polymer, the process for the manufacturing of such material, and the use of such material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a mold assembly to minimize voids in a molded product. The mold assembly can include a fill port aligned in relation to first surface feature of a part to be molded, a vent to provide an exit passage for bubbles associated with a second surface feature, and a fill angle scheme to minimize voids in the molded part.

Abstract: A method of forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This method can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-ply tissue includes a first cellulosic embossed ply having an emboss pattern applied over a portion of its surface and a second cellulosic embossed ply of tissue. The first ply is contact laminated to the second ply so that the primary adhesion between the plies of tissue is the result of contact between cellulosic fibers. The first and second plies contact one another in contact areas, with the contact areas between the first and second plies defining compliant voids. The contact areas between the first ply and the second ply are elongated and/or rounded contact areas.