Abstract: Within an improved method of maintaining a die during interruptions in production and of subsequently returning the die to an optimal operating temperature, instead of having a manual control valve in the bypass loop of cooling medium, a PLC controlled valve is provided which can automatically allow or stop the flowrate through the bypass loop. Instead of circulating cooling medium through the die continuously, and at a reduced rate, during the interruption, the cooling medium is not circulated at all initially during the interruption. When the restart of production is desired, the first two preheat shots produced are made without the circulation of any cooling medium through the die. The valve within the bypass loop is then opened to let some cooling medium circulate through the die, however the circulation rate is less than the rate associated with normal production. The bypass loop is then left open while the valve in the primary loop is reopened.

Abstract: A bumper panel assembly for use in a vehicle including an upper bumper panel and a lower bumper panel attached to the upper bumper panel. The bumper panel assembly is formed without cut outs and walls so as to eliminate the need of using lifters to form the bumper panel assembly, and thus reducing manufacturing costs. The upper bumper panel includes a groove extending along the width of the panel, and the lower bumper has a first edge seated along the groove so as to define a styling line. The lower panel further includes a second edge spaced apart from the first edge. A seal is disposed on the second edge and interconnects the lower bumper panel to the vehicle body when the vehicle bumper is assembled onto the vehicle so as to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of the bumper panel assembly.

Abstract: Novel articles, in particular films, made from polymers, which are elastic, impermeable to water and permeable to water vapour. Said articles are made from a composition comprising a dispersion of an elastomer in an aqueous solvent, a hydrophilic compound and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming an imprinting layer on a substrate including high resolution features, and transferring the features into a solidified region of the substrate. Desired thickness of the residual layer may be minimized in addition to visco-elastic behavior of the material.

Abstract: A method is for forming three-dimensional micro- and nanostructures, based on the structuring of a body of material by a mould having an impression area which reproduces the three-dimensional structure in negative form. This method includes providing a mould having a substrate of a material which can undergo isotropic chemical etching, in which the impression area is to be formed. An etching pattern is defined on (in) the substrate, having etching areas having zero-, uni- or bidimensional extension, which can be reached by an etching agent. A process of isotropic chemical etching of the substrate from the etching areas is carried out for a corresponding predetermined time, so as to produce cavities which in combination make up the impression area. The method is advantageously used in the fabrication of sets of microlenses with a convex three-dimensional structure, of the refractive or hybrid refractive/diffractive type, for forming images on different focal planes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.

Abstract: A method of making a spool seal having a smooth sealing surface is provided which utilizes a mold including separable first and second mold halves which join when closed to form a parting line which is positioned away from the area of the mold which forms the inner and outer diameter surfaces of the spool seal. A moldable material is introduced into the cavity defined by the closed mold halves and cured such that the resulting inner and outer diameter surfaces of the molded spool seal are free of parting lines.

Abstract: An injection-compression molding apparatus for producing a shaped plastic part has a first mold plate and a second mold plate, which delimit a component cavity and between which there is a gap in the non-closed state. The apparatus further comprises a plastics compound feeding arrangement for introducing plastics material through the gap into the component cavity, having a gate cavity which is substantially separated from the component cavity when the gap is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyester urethane hybrid resin casting resin composition which comprises a mixture ABCD of an unsaturated polyester ABC which has moieties derived from at least one alcohol A, moieties derived from a mixture B of carboxylic acids, wherein at least 10% of the mass of at least one of the said carboxylic acids B or of the said alcohols A have at least one olefinic unsaturation in their molecules, and moieties derived from a monoepoxide C having at least four carbon atoms, which polyester ABC is dissolved in a compound D, and which has at least one olefinic unsaturation and which is radically copolymerisable with the unsaturated polyester oligomer ABC and a second liquid component EF comprising a polyfunctional isocyanate E and a radical initiator F, a process for its production, and a method of use thereof to form large moulded parts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus facilitate the processing of a core structure for a composite sandwich structure. The core has an open three-dimensional structure and is not self-supporting due to an insufficient strength or stiffness. The method involves temporarily providing a support arrangement on the core structure to mechanically support and stabilize it, then subjecting the supported core structure to the desired processing, and then separating and removing the core structure and the support arrangement from one another. The processing can involve immersion into a processing liquid such as a curable resin, or mechanical machining operations. The support arrangement preferably includes a core impression that is surfacially form-fitting on a structured surface of the core structure. The apparatus includes a support arrangement including a core impression to be disposed on a surface of the core structure. The core impression may be formed of a polymer, a metal, or a casting material.

Abstract: A syringe for holding fluids susceptible to void formation when frozen and thawed before use. The interior surface of the syringe sidewall may be roughened, which serves to prevent or significantly reduce the incidence of void formation in the fluid. The required level of surface roughening for counteracting void formation may be reduced by increasing the sidewall flexibility. Alternatively, the flexibility of the syringe sidewall may operate over certain thickness ranges to prevent or significantly reduce void formation in the fluid without intentionally roughening the interior surface.

Abstract: A battery formwork for the vertical manufacturing of planar precast concrete parts comprising two outer formworks, which are located diametrically opposite and at least one of which is movable, and an inner formwork, which is located between the outer formworks. The inner formwork has at least two side supports, which laterally delimit the concrete part to be manufactured. A floor support of the inner formwork is fixed in its location and delimits the concrete part to be manufactured on the bottom. The floor support is used as the lower reference point for the manufacturing of the precast concrete part. The battery formwork has a horizontally extending height support, which is vertically changeable in its position and which delimits the precast concrete part to be manufactured on top.

Abstract: A water-permeable protective material is provided which comprises a composition of one or more quaternary amines in combination with polyvinyl alcohol or precursor thereof. The amine may be either a polymeric or non-polymeric quaternary amine, a preferred example being poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [p(DADMAC)]. The composition, if liquid, may be deposited as a layer on a substrate to be protected or a protective article may be formed by extrusion or moulding from a dry composition. The substrate may be a fabric material, particularly an item of clothing. Protection is provided against harmful or noxious agents such as chemical and biological warfare agents, organic materials, aerosols and other harmful liquid and gaseous substances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ester film comprising cellulose ester and a phosphonite compound.

Abstract: A method for forming an electronic device provides a casting master having a casting surface, and deposits a substrate material onto the casting surface to form a flexible substrate sheet of predetermined thickness, wherein the flexible substrate sheet has a circuit-side surface that is formed against the casting surface. The flexible substrate sheet is released from the master and secured against a carrier, with the circuit-side surface facing outward. An electronic device is then formed on the circuit-side surface.

Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target for forming a transparent conductive film, which has low resistivity and excellent transparency, can be relatively easily patterned in amorphous state by weak acid etching and relatively easily crystallized. A method for manufacturing an oxide sintered body is also provided. The sputtering target is provided for forming the amorphous-state transparent conductive film. The sputtering target is provided with the oxide sintered body containing indium oxide, tin, if needed, and barium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a variety a releasable fasteners and fastening systems. Some fasteners include a shape memory polymer configured to change geometry of the fastener between a release geometry and an attachment geometry without application of a mechanical force.

Abstract: Gastric resistant film-forming compositions are described herein. The composition comprises a gastric resistant natural polymer, a film-forming natural polymer, and optionally a gelling agent. Suitable gastric resistant natural polymers include polysaccharides such as pectin and pectin-like polymers. The film-forming composition can be used to prepare soft or hard shell gelatin capsules which can encapsulate a liquid or semi-solid fill material or a solid tablet (Softlet®) comprising an active agent and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Alternatively, the composition can be administered as a liquid with an active agent dissolved or dispersed in the composition. The compositions are not only gastric resistant but may also prevent gastric reflux associated with odor causing liquids, such as fish oil or garlic oil, encapsulated in a unit dosage form and esophageal irritation due to the reflux of irritant drugs delivered orally.

Abstract: A malleable vase constructed from silicone rubber or other malleable material and a method of producing said vase.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image forming component. The component may include a urethane body, comprising polydiene containing a residual double bond available for oxidation, and including a surface, wherein said double bond is oxidized. The component may also include a first conductive additive including an alkali metal salt, wherein the first conductive additive catalyzes the oxidation of the polydiene and a second conductive additive including an inert conductive additive that does not catalyze the polydiene oxidation, wherein the image forming component exhibits a surface resistivity in the range of 1.0×109 to 1.0×1012 ohm-cm, when characterized at 15.6° C. and 20% RH.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming moulded bodies from a mouldable mass comprising a matrix grid (19) in which at least one receiving chamber (21) is accommodated, and at least one tool (17, 18) with which the mouldable mass can be pressed into the receiving chamber (21). Said claimed device is characterised in that the tool (17, 18) can be displaced along a guide path (3A, 3B) that comprises a moulding section (A), in which a constant pressure is exerted upon portions of the mouldable mass on the strip by the tools (17, 18), said mass being disposed in the receiving chamber (21). The invention further relates to a method for forming moulded bodies, in which a mouldable mass is formed and is guided to at least one receiving chamber of a matrix grid (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing, in relation to the total weight of said composition, A) between 50.0% by weight and 99.5% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and B) between 0.5% by weight and 50.0% by weight of at least one copolymer, obtained by the polymerisation of a monomer mixture consisting of i. between 70% by weight and 92% by weight of a vinyl aromatic monomer and ii. between 8% by weight and 30% by weight of acryl nitrile or methacryl nitrile or mixtures thereof iii. between 0% by weight and 22% by weight of at least one other monomer, the composition having at 50° C. a ?E of less than 0.15, ?E being defined according to the relationship (1): (1) in which ?L*: the modification of the colour co-ordinates L* compared with the colour co-ordinates L* at 23° C., ?a*: the modification of the colour co-ordinates a* compared with the colour co-ordinates a* at 23° C., ?b*: the modification of the colour co-ordinates b* compared to the colour co-ordinates b* at 23° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a cellulose ester film wherein a film-forming material containing the following components A-C is heated and melted, and a cellulose ester film is formed therefrom by melt-casting. A: a cellulose resin, B: an ester compound obtained by condensing an organic acid represented by Formula (1) and a polyalcohol, and C: an aliphatic polyester or an aliphatic-aromatic copolymer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a compressed gas tank that includes a combination of an injection molding process and a rotomolding process. In a first step, a boss to be positioned in the opening of an outer structural layer of the tank is provided and a thin portion of the liner is injection molded to the boss so that a channel within the boss is filled with the liner material to increase the seal integrity between the boss and the liner. Once the liner material is hardened, the surface of the injection molding liner portion is cleaned. Next, a rotomolding process is performed to mold the remaining portion of the liner to the boss. During the rotomolding process, the injection molded portion of the liner melts to be part of the liner made during the rotomolding process.

Abstract: A bipolar plate (1) in combination with a sealant (50, 70) for a PEM fuel cell, wherein the bipolar plate (1) has an anode side with first flow channels (20) for transport of a proton-donating fuel or a cathode side with second flow channels (12) for transport of proton-accepting fluid, or both, wherein a sealant (50, 70) is provided parallel with the bipolar plate (1) for sealing the bipolar plate against an adjacent electrolytic membrane (40). The sealant (50, 70) has fluid channels (54a, 54b, 74a, 74b) across the sealant (50, 70) for transport of proton-donating fuel or proton-accepting fluid, respectively, across the sealant and along the bipolar plate.

Abstract: Flexible, reinforced polymeric molds for Corning simulated stone veneers is provided. The molds are formed of a single solitary unit containing a plurality of contoured wells. A flange forms an outer portion of the mold and provides a means for grasping the mold so that the mold can be folded and flipped for the extraction of the artificial stones. One or both hinge portions located transversely across the central portion of the mold may be reinforced with an embedded nylon mesh scrim. The scrim increases the tear and tensile strength of the hinge portion. Additionally, the incorporation of the nylon mesh scrim at the hinge portions increases the life of the mold and reduces the occurrence of scrap molds. The polymeric mold advantageously retains its shape after the mold has been removed from the simulated stones, which permits the mold to be used in subsequent stone-molding operations.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven fabric having good fluid drawing properties, in which fluid hardly remains, a method for producing a nonwoven fabric, and an absorbent article. The nonwoven fabric has a thickness direction and a planar direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and includes a high density region having a higher fiber density than an average fiber density. The high density region penetrates from one side to another side in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A process for preparing a membrane comprising the steps of: (i) Providing a composition comprising a polymerizable compound having at least 25 oxyethylene groups and at least two non-substituted vinyl groups; (ii) Applying said composition to a support thereby forming a continuous layer on the support; (iii) Polymerizing said composition thereby forming a non-porous polymer film. Also claimed are the resultant membranes and their uses, e.g. for separating polar and non-polar gases.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays and drug delivery devices are provided for transdermally delivering a drug formulation to a patient. The microneedle array device includes a substantially planar substrate having an array of apertures; and a plurality of microneedles projecting at angle from the planar substrate, the microneedles having a base portion integrally connected to the substrate, a tip end portion distal to the base portion, and body portion therebetween, wherein each microneedle has at least one channel extending substantially from the base portion through at least a part of the body portion, the channel being open along at least part of the body portion and in fluid communication with at least one of the apertures in the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, each microneedle has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and the channel is open to two opposing surfaces of the microneedle.

Abstract: A defoaming method for removing air bubbles from a curable resin material and a contact portion of the resin material with an irregular structure of a flat metallic mold. The mold includes a fine structural region having a fine irregular structure and a flat region in the periphery of the fine structural region. The curable resin material is applied to the irregular structure of the fine structural region, filling the irregular structure with the resin material.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition and a method for forming an organic film on a substrate are provided. Because the photosensitive resin composition for imprinting includes an erythrotol-based monomer or oligomer, an organic film formed by the photosensitive resin composition for imprinting has improved restoring force. Therefore, the photosensitive resin composition is appropriate for imprinting processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell bipolar plate that improves dimensional accuracy even with viscous material, eliminates the need for large-scale production equipment such as a press to make a pre-formed product, and furthermore, enables manufacturing time for the fuel cell bipolar plate to be reduced. Powdered raw material A containing electrically conductive material and resin is dropped into a filling container so that a top thereof is flat. The powdered raw material A inside the filling container is then heated to form a temporary cast B, the temporary cast B is set in a mold in which a predetermined pattern is formed, and heated and compressed to form a fuel cell bipolar plate.

Abstract: Method of making cellulose/plastic pellets in which a particulate cellulose/plastic mixture comprising more than 60 to 95 weight % of cellulosic material and 5 to less than 40 weight % of thermoplastic material, based on the total dry weight of cellulosic and thermoplastic materials, and 1 to 15 weight % of moisture, based on the total weight of the mixture, is supplied at a temperature T1 of at most 90° C. to a pelletizing device comprising an annular mould with holes having a diameter D of at most 8 mm and an effective hole length L to hole diameter D ratio R of at least 7, the values of R and T1 being chosen in relation to one another so that the temperature T2 of the pellets leaving the annular mould is between 80 and 125° C. and the T2-T1 rise in temperature is at least 10° C., and cellulose/plastic pellets obtainable by said method.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyolefin compositions containing a polyolefin resin, a hindered amine light stabilizer, and a polymer processing aid. Methods for preparing the polymer compositions, methods for using the compositions to produce articles of manufacture, and the articles produced from these polyolefin compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: An elongate body for parenteral injection at low velocity from a device is described. The body has at least one pointed end and comprises at least one active material. In addition, the body has a compressive strength of greater than or equal to 5 Newton and the pointed end has an included angle of between about 10-50°. A solid vaccine formulation for needle-free parenteral delivery, methods for making the body, packaging of the body and use of the body, packaging and suitable delivery device are also described.

Abstract: An electrically conductive, thermosetting elastomeric composition is provided. The composition may comprise: an initially substantially non-electrically conductive, thermosetting base polymer; a particulate filler comprising electrically conductive particles; and an electrically conductive polymer additive. The non-electrically conductive, thermosetting base polymer, the particulate filler and the electrically conductive polymer additive are mixed substantially macroscopically homogeneously.

Abstract: A process for producing plastics moldings including forming a molding from a castable reactive composition including at least one organic polymer component and at least one inorganic filler, wherein the average particle size of the filler is <150 ?m and the proportion of the inorganic filler present in the reactive composition is >50% by weight, based on the weight of the hardened molding; hardening the molding; and, after hardening, subjecting the molding to a forming process.

Abstract: Quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg is used to make parts found in aerospace vehicles. Exemplary aerospace parts that are made using quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg include aircraft window frames, wing fairing supports, flange supports, frame gussets, rudder actuator brackets, shear ties, seat pedestals, cargo floor flange supports, storage bin fittings, antenna supports, torque tube pans, handle boxes, side guide fittings, wing box covers and intercostals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting concrete elements with varying, determined length, equipped with one or with a plurality of longitudinal hollow cores, by means of a slipforming apparatus. The apparatus is movable with respect to the bed (2), said apparatus comprising forming members (10) for forming hollow cores. The mass is fed in the first step to the portion of the slab below the hollow cores, and in the second step the hollow-core forming members being brought onto the said portion of the slab and mass is being fed between the forming members and onto them. The forming member (10) for forming a hollow core comprises an attachable extension part (22). The height of a hollow core is changed by changing the extension part of the hollow core forming member.

Abstract: Curable compositions, such as benzoxazine-based ones, are useful in applications within the aerospace industry, such as for example as a heat curable composition for use as a matrix resin in advanced processes, such as resin transfer molding, vacuum assisted transfer molding and resin film infusion, and their use in such advanced processes form the basis of the present invention.

Abstract: A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.

Abstract: Sheathing panels are produced by methods which do not require natural resources such as wood and use significantly reduced embodied energy when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum sheathing panels. A novel binder, consisting in one embodiment of monopotassium phosphate and magnesium oxide, and combined with various fillers, is used to provide a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum board-like core which can be formed into a suitable sheathing panel handled and installed in a typical manner. The panel is manufactured to have a desirable shear resistance and water vapor permeability, important performance elements in building envelope design. The manufacturing process results in a panel that does not require mature trees as source material, does not off gas, and involves much lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make traditional wood or gypsum-based sheathing panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective cover for an electronic device that is made from an elastomeric material that simultaneously provides cushioning that would otherwise be provided by a softer, thicker material, while utilizing a single, denser material that provides a slim profile and has sufficient density to conform well to the electronic device and prevent the transmission of impacts with hard surfaces directly to the electronic device. Although a denser material is used for the protective cover, recesses are formed in thicker portions at impact points that create compressible ribs. The ribs provide softer, cushioned portions of the cover in the impact areas, which are capable of absorbing the shock and energy of impacts. Other protective covers have a uniform thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer mixture comprising polylactic acid. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing an extruded product and the extruded product obtained therewith. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for producing a starting material for a foamed moulded product and the starting material obtained therewith. The present invention moreover relates to methods for producing a foamed moulded product and the moulded product obtained therewith. The present invention also relates to applications of these products.

Abstract: A swellable, resilient interspinous implant is provided that includes a swellable polymeric medium, said polymeric medium being dispersed throughout the implant, the implant being dimensioned and configured to fit between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae and buttress the space between the two adjacent vertebrae. In embodiments, the implant has a first configuration of reduced size such that it can be inserted into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted to an application point within the patient, the implant expands in size to dynamically maintain the adjacent spinous processes in beneficial alignment. Also provided is a method of making a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein. Also provided is a method of treating a degenerative condition of a spine which includes creating an incision and inserting, through the incision, between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein.

Abstract: The fragrant gel polymer system is a process where a complete fragrance formulation remains whole and is then blended with either a polymer or a cross-linking agent. The non-fragrance carrying polymer is then liquefied and made homogenous with a solvent. The solvents modify viscosity and ease the mixing of the non-fragrance carrying polymer with the fragrance carrying polymer. The method also provides surfactants and wetting agents for further integration and mixing of the fragrance oils with either the polymer or the cross-linking agent during the steps of the process. Mixing of the fragrance carrying polymer and the non-fragrance polymer results in a gel that sets in less time and with less syneresis than existing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus to control displacement of a body spaced-apart from a surface includes a flexure system having a first flexure member defining a first axis of rotation and a second flexure member defining a second axis of rotation. A body is coupled to the flexure system to move about a plurality of axes. An actuation system is coupled to the flexure system to selectively constrain movement of the body along a subset of the plurality of axes.

Abstract: A method for producing particles includes providing a first patterned surface having a first surface relief pattern adapted to impart structure to a plurality of particles while they are under production; providing a second patterned surface having a second surface relief pattern adapted to impart structure to a plurality of particles while they are under production; depositing a particle material in contact with at least one of the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface; aligning the first surface relief pattern on the first patterned surface with respect to the second surface relief pattern on the second patterned surface; contacting at least a portion of the first patterned surface with at least a portion of the second patterned surface; solidifying at least a portion of the particle material to form a plurality of particles; and separating at least a portion of the plurality of particles from at least one of the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of protrusion members on its surface is molded by a molding system comprising first and second molds cooperating to apply a clamping force onto the substrate for molding, and a middle plate located between the first and second molds such that the substrate is clamped between the middle plate and the first mold during molding. A plurality of molding cavities is located on the second mold and through-holes formed in the middle plate correspond to positions of the molding cavities, such that each through-hole is sized and configured for inserting a protrusion member of the substrate to enable each protrusion member to be in communication with a molding cavity of the second mold. Molding compound is molded onto the protrusion members by the molding cavities during molding.