Abstract: A method of making an inverted-hook groove for a plant fiber-molded cup lid is to form an inverted-hook groove on a side surface of a plant-fiber molded cup lid, which has already been thermally compressed and shaped, processed and shaped once more to form an inverted-hook groove at the side surface of the molded cup lid so that the molded cup lid with the inverted-hook groove can be tightly and closely combined with the upper edge of a primary cup body. The method of making an inverted-hook groove for a plant-fiber molded cup lid of this invention is classified into three kinds; a method of compression shaping directly, a method of roller compression shaping and a method of air bag compression shaping.

Abstract: An apparatus structured to contact external tissue, such as skin, of a user includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the external tissue. The contacting portion has an engineered surface (64A, 64B) that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features (70, 74B, 76B, 78B) designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch (P) between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height (H) of each of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.

Abstract: An elevator bucket mould combination comprising a common recess and two inserts, namely a first insert and a second insert, separately associable as required with the common recess using respective reciprocal couplings to the common recess without the other, a first insert defining a first bucket mould shape with the common recess whilst when the second insert is associated with the common recess only a desired part of the first bucket mould shape is provided as a second bucket mould shape.

Abstract: The invention comprises a concrete form. The concrete form comprises a first mold for concrete and a second mold for concrete, the first and second molds being in thermal communication with each other. The concrete form also comprises thermal insulating material substantially surrounding the first and second molds but not between the first and second molds. A method of using the concrete form is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding a composite fluid to a mold for casting a reinforced composite structure, such as a rotor blade for a wind turbine are provided. The system includes a first feeding unit for feeding a first flow of composite fluid to the mold through a first mold inlet, and a second feeding unit for feeding a second flow of composite fluid to the mold through a second mold inlet. The first flow of composite fluid and the second flow of composite fluid are individually controllable.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a composite structure includes a barrel of composite material, a first end ring, and a mid support. The barrel of composite material has a first end, an interior surface and an outer surface, and the first end ring is removably attached to the first end. The first end ring has a perimeter that is substantially congruent with the first end, and is configured to maintain a shape of the barrel. The mid support is removably disposed within the barrel, and has a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from a central hub to contact the interior surface, to maintain a shape of the barrel.

Abstract: A dimpled fabric creation system and method is provided to form a dimpled fabric using a mold or machine having a plurality of protrusions and grooves, while avoiding the repetitive steps to manually shape each protrusion individually by tying portions of fabric individually. The protrusions may be of complex three dimensional shapes to form dimples in the fabric having corresponding complex three dimensional shapes. The system and method provide for creation of a dimpled fabric container, wherein the dimpled fabric container may be utilized in gift wrapping.

Abstract: Presently described are curable compositions comprising a mixture of at least one (e.g. free-radically) polymerizable ionic liquid and at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, oligomer, or polymer. The polymerizable ionic liquid is characterized as having an air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratio of at least 0.70. Also described are articles and methods of making articles from such curable compositions. A monofunctional polymerizable ionic liquid is also described comprising a non-polymerizable substituted imidazolium cationic group and a polymerizable sulfonate anion.

Abstract: Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds are disclosed herein with a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed are methods of producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds and films made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved tire tread having recessed lateral grooves, and a tire having the same. Particular embodiments of the tread include a tread thickness bounded depthwise by a top side configured to engage a ground surface during tire operation and a bottom side configured to attach to a tire carcass, the thickness extending laterally between a first side edge and a second side edge and longitudinally in a lengthwise direction of the tread. The tread further includes a longitudinal groove in fluid communication with the top side or the bottom side of the tread thickness and a lateral groove in fluid communication with the bottom side of the tread thickness extending from the first side edge intersecting the longitudinal groove forming a vent passageway extending from the longitudinal groove and to the first side edge. The invention includes methods of forming such treads and molds there for.

Abstract: A dried vitrigel membrane is produced by a method including the following steps of (1) a step of keeping a hydrogel in the inside of a wall surface mold with a shape the same as the desired shape disposed on a substrate, and discharging a part of free water within the hydrogel from a gap between the substrate and the wall surface mold; (2) a step of removing the wall surface mold from the top of the substrate; (3) a step of drying the hydrogel to remove the residual free water, thereby fabricating a vitrified dried hydrogel; (4) a step of rehydrating the dried hydrogel to fabricate a vitrigel membrane; and (5) a step of redrying the vitrigel membrane to remove free water, thereby fabricating a vitrified dried vitrigel membrane.

Abstract: Provided is an imprint apparatus that imprints a pattern formed on a mold onto a substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a substrate holder that holds the substrate and can move in a direction along the surface of the substrate; a gas supply unit for supplying a gas into a space between a pattern part of the mold and the substrate; and a wall part that is disposed so as to enclose the space that is supplied with gas, wherein at a position opposed to the substrate and the mold, the wall part faces the substrate holder or the substrate with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising elongated first and second moulds (2,3) extending in parallel, a drive mechanism (4) to move said second mould in relation to said first mould, from a first position to a second position so as to form a mould assembly, and a transport system comprising a movable part (5) movable along the first mould and/or the second mould and supported by an elongated intermediate support member (7) located between the moulds, the intermediate support member moving from a support position in which it supports the movable part, to a non-interference position in which interference with the moulds and/or the mould drive mechanism is avoided when said second mould is moved from the first position to the second position, the transport system comprising a securing device (71, 84, 83, 83a, 83b, 831, 83e) for locking the intermediate support member in the support position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a permeable web material is disclosed. The apparatus has a fluid source and a receipt plenum. The fluid source is disposed in proximate fluid contact with the first surface of the web material. The fluid source has a positively pressured permeable roll having atomized fluid and at least one aperture disposed therein. The apertures provide fluid communication between an inner portion of the roll and a surface thereof. The fluid is disposable from the inner portion to the surface through the apertures into contacting engagement with the permeable web material. The receipt plenum has an opening disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material that provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material that causes the fluid to traverse through the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a particle based element, in particular a particle board or fiber board, wherein particles (2) are dispersed in a dispersing section (5) to form a particle mass (15), and a modification substance (13) is provided modifying the properties of the particle mass (15), such that particles (2) with accordingly modified properties are arranged in at least one predetermined region of the particle mass (15). The modification substance (13) is injected into the particles (2) before the particles (2) form the particle mass (15), wherein the modification substance (13) is injected into the particles (2) in an injection direction, which is inclined with respect to the flow direction (200) of the particle stream at the injection location. The invention further relates to an apparatus (1) for the production of a particle based element, a particle based element, and a further method for the production of a particle based element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a tissue or organ defect or injury are provided. The devices can include tissue scaffolds produced from acellular tissue matrices and polymers, which have a stable three-dimensional shape and elicit a limited immunologic or inflammatory response.

Abstract: A process for producing a base material for disks including forming a raw slurry material into a platy shape and drying the plate, the raw slurry material containing inorganic fibers which have a wet volume of about 300 mL/5 g or larger and which are amorphous or have a degree of crystallinity of about 50% or lower.

Abstract: UV absorbing appliances, such as contact lenses, are prepared by including at least one UV absorbing compound in the appliances. UV absorbing compounds can be water insoluble and/or reside in UV absorbing nanoparticles having a mean diameter less than 10 nm. The UV absorbing nanoparticles incorporate into an appliance by polymerizing a monomer mixture containing the UV absorbing nanoparticles to form an appliance comprising the UV absorbing nanoparticles. The UV absorbing compounds or the UV absorbing nanoparticles incorporate into an appliance by placing the appliance in a solution of the UV absorbing compound or a dispersion of the UV absorbing nanoparticles in a non-aqueous solvent that swells the appliance. The UV absorbing compound or the UV absorbing nanoparticles infuse into the swollen appliance and are retained within the appliance upon removal of the non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: A method for the production of cellulose films with at least one hydrophobic or less hydrophilic surface, or with at least one surface with a water contact angle (?) in a range from 55° to less than 100° is described. The method involves contacting the cellulose material with a hydrophobic solid material during the preparation of the cellulose films or with a vapour of a non-polar or polar aprotic solvent during or after the preparation of the cellulose films. Examples of the cellulose material are cellulose filaments (CF) made to have at least 50% by weight of the filaments having a filament length up to 350 ?m and a filament diameter between 100 and 500 nm from multi-pass, high consistency refining of wood or plant fibers, and commercially-available sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Examples of the hydrophobic solid material are hydrophobic polymers, poly(methylpentene) and poly(ethylene). Examples of the non-polar solvent are hexane and toluene.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.

Abstract: Low embodied energy wallboards and methods for forming same are disclosed. A wallboard can include at least one industrial material in an amorphous phase and at least one alkali-activating agent. The amorphous phase industrial material can be slag, fly ash, silica fume, and/or lime kiln dust. The alkali-activating agent can be calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate and/or calcium aluminate. Additional wallboard components can include water, a foam filler, paper, industrial material in a crystalline phase, and/or polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and/or other synthetic fibers.

Abstract: Clay composite sheets, mats, films or membranes without polymers. Methods of preparing clay composite sheets, mats, films or membranes without using polymers in the method. Methods of using clay composite sheets, mats, films or membranes prepared without using polymers. Antimicrobial dressing having organo-modified clay product. Transdermal delivery of drugs using organo-modified clay product and methods.

Abstract: A concrete forming system combining the ease of erection and load carrying capabilities of scaffolding with a simplified erection system. Scaffold frames provide the vertical support and walers, supported by and spanning from scaffold frame to scaffold frame, provide the horizontal support. The wet concrete's hydrostatic pressure is placed on the walers, which transfer the load to the scaffold frames that act like trusses. The scaffold frames have at least two legs and are secured at their bottom to perform as a cantilever or, when the hydrostatic pressure is greater, they are secured at their bottoms and tops to perform as a truss fixed at both ends. As such, this forming system does not use form ties which results in an obstacle free form face and facilitates forms that simply hang from the walers.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. The main body provides an orifice therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity and a collar that substantially surrounds the orifice. At least one of the side frame members includes an integrally formed locking clip receiver assembly. The frame is formed by molding such that mold components of a mold can be withdrawn along a single plane to separate the mold from the collar and the locking clip receiver assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding articles includes a first mold carrier configured to angularly displace relative to a fixed structure from a first molding position to first accessing position and a second mold carrier traveling with the first mold carrier and configured to angularly displace relative to the first mold carrier from a second molding position to a second accessing position. The first mold carrier may be pivotably coupled to the fixed structure; the second mold carrier may be slidably and rotatably coupled to the first mold carrier. A third mold carrier may be provided, and the second mold carrier may be located between the first and third mold carriers. An articulation mechanism may be provided to control relative motion of the second mold carrier relative to the first mold carrier as the first mold carrier pivots relative to the fixed structure. A method for molding articles is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to products and methods for treatment of various symptoms in a patient, including treatment of pain suffered by a patient. The invention more particularly relates to self-supporting dosage forms which provide an active agent while providing sufficient buccal adhesion of the dosage form. Further, the present invention provides a dosage form which is useful in reducing the likelihood of diversion abuse of the active agent.

Abstract: Various water basins and systems are described that include a first basin having a longitudinally upward extending tower, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are adjustable from the first side of the first basin. The system includes at least a water system having a pump and a water line that extends from the pump to the second side of the first basin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance having a micro-pattern (190b) for displaying a pattern or a character, and a method for fabricating a structure having a micro-pattern (190b), and more particularly, to a method for displaying a pattern or a character more effectively. To achieve above object, the appliance of the present invention includes a body, a structure provided to an outside or an inside of the body, and a micro-pattern (190b) for changing a light incident thereon from an outside of the micro-pattern to a light of a predetermined color to display a predetermined character or a predetermined pattern on the structure.

Abstract: A process for making a resin panel having a shaped edge includes applying a resin material to a surface of a flat mold to form a layer of resin, partially curing the layer of resin, shaping an edge portion of the layer of resin with a shaped mold, applying a matrix material to the partially cured, partially shaped layer of resin, and curing the layer of resin and the matrix material to form a panel. In some embodiments, a pattern, design or image may be applied to the resin panel. Methods for forming other shaped components, such as edge pieces, from resin, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of preparing a film of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) on at least one surface of a support material, wherein the film is applied and spread directly onto a surface of the plastic support material in the form of a suspension of nanofibrillated cellulose, whereby the nanofibrillated cellulose forms a film. Further, the invention concerns a structure containing or consisting of a film of nanofibrillated cellulose prepared using said method.

Abstract: A holster blank and holster for a handgun formed from a unitary molded body portion having two side holster portions joined to opposite edges of an elongate narrow spine intermediate portion by parallel living hinges. The side holster portions have outer edges brought together by pivoting the side holster portions towards each other via the living hinges so as to form the holster. The body portion includes interfacing elongate male and female locking portions which engage and lock the outer edges together. A method of producing the holster includes molding the body portion and pivoting the sides via the living hinges 90 degrees and providing a lock to interconnect the side portions adjacent the trigger guard of a handgun.

Abstract: A lithium-air battery cathode having increased mesopore and macropore volume and methods of making the cathode are provided. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of mesopores is present in the cathode having a porosity of 1 to 70 percent. In another embodiment, a plurality of macropores are present in the cathode having a porosity of 5 to 99 percent. In one embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are imprinted using a sacrificial material. In another embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are imprinted by applying a template. In another embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are formed by coating cathode material onto a porous substrate.

Abstract: A method includes premixing an anti-static additive and a first crosslinker to form an anti-static intermediate mixture where the anti-static additive is dispersed in the first crosslinker. The method also includes compounding the anti-static intermediate mixture and at least a portion of the first fluoropolymer to form a first compounded mixture. The method further includes extruding the first compounded mixture to form a layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of making a fiber-reinforced composite. Glass fibers may be provided. These glass fibers may be treated with a sizing composition that has a coupling-activator compound with the formula: S—X-(A)n, where S represents a silicon-containing coupling moiety capable of bonding to the surface of glass fibers, X represents a linking moiety, and (A)n represents one or more polymerization activator moieties. The treated glass fibers may be combined with a resin to make a fiber-resin mixture. The resin may have a monomer, a catalyst, and an activator compound capable of initiating a polymerization of the monomer. The monomer may be a lactam or lactone having 3-12 carbon atoms in the main ring. The fiber-resin mixture may then be cured so that the monomer polymerizes to form a thermoplastic polymer matrix of the fiber-reinforced composite. The thermoplastic polymer matrix may be formed by in situ polymerization initiated from both the surface of the glass fibers and the resin.

Abstract: Embodiments of films and filters comprising nanoparticles, (e.g., in which each of a plurality of nanoparticles comprises a core surrounded by a ligand and/or where the diameter of each of at least some of nanoparticles is less than about 50 nm), and methods of making and using such films and filters.

Abstract: A process for producing a unitary graphene material, comprising: (a) preparing a graphene oxide (GO) gel having GO molecules dissolved in a fluid medium wherein the GO molecules contain higher than 20% by weight of oxygen; (b) dispensing and depositing a layer of GO gel onto a surface of a substrate to form a layer of deposited GO gel thereon, wherein the dispensing and depositing procedure includes shear-induced thinning; (c) removing the fluid medium from the deposited GO gel to form a GO layer having an inter-plane spacing d002 of 0.4 nm to 1.2 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction; and (d) heat treating the GO layer to form the unitary graphene material at a heat treatment temperature higher than 100° C. to an extent that d002 is decreased to a value of 0.3354 nm to 0.4 nm and the oxygen content is decreased to less than 5% by weight.

Abstract: In the invention, a nano carbon layer that is constituted by a nano carbon group is formed on a molten metal contact surface of a casting member, and a lubricant that has a pulverulent body, which is constituted by BN, graphite, talc or silica, as a main component is applied onto the nano carbon layer. It is preferable that a nitrided layer be formed between the nano carbon layer and the molten metal contact surface of the casting member when the nano carbon layer is formed, and that the lubricant applied to the nano carbon layer have a BN pulverulent body as a main component. According to the invention, the mold releasability and fluidity of the casting member can be maintained even if the number of times of casting is increased, and the cost of the process of subjecting the molten metal contact surface of the casting member to the surface treatment can be reduced.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyltrimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: A method of producing an exercise weight structure comprises mixing a particulate material with a binder material and moulding the resulting mixture to an appropriate shape. An outer skin for the exercise weight structure is firstly formed of a resilient material, and forms a mould into which an inner weight section or body is moulded or cast. The inner weight section and the outer skin are both formed of recycled material and include a common binder material.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing products having a metal surface by imparting microfeatures onto the metal surface. The method if further described as the steps of: creating a transfer tool from a microstructured intermediate fabricated from a microstructured prototype having microfeatures; and, transferring the microfeatures to said metal surface using the transfer tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite preventing ice adhesion. A plurality of micro-roughened surfaces or organometallized micro-roughened surfaces wetted with a hydrophobic, low freezing-point liquid results in a durable, renewable anti-icing composite. The preparation method for novel icing and rain protecting composite is disclosed.

Abstract: A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second liquid is added to a polymer solution, the second liquid causing the solution to increase in viscosity. With sufficient polymer and second liquid present, the increase in viscosity can be up to that of a gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. A second material may be incorporated into the chambers, thereby creating a microstructure filling the voids of the macrostructure.

Abstract: A nozzle N which moves in a scan direction Ds along a surface Wf of a substrate W discharges an application liquid which contains a photo-curing material, and a light emitter E moving as if to follow the nozzle N irradiates light (UV light for instance) upon the application liquid. Arriving at an application end position, the nozzle N stops discharging the application liquid and retracts in a direction away from the substrate surface Wf. Meanwhile, the light emitter E keeps moving in the scan direction Ds, thereby irradiating even the terminating end of the application liquid with the light without fail.

Abstract: There are provided carbon nanotube fibers having excellent mechanical property and a method for producing the same. In a long carbon nanotube fiber 11 in which a plurality of carbon nanotubes 12 are assembled, the carbon nanotubes 12 comprise a diameter ranging from 0.4 to 100 nm and are oriented in an angle ranging from 0 to 5° with respect to axial direction of the carbon nanotube fiber 11.

Abstract: A popcorn container lid can include a concave upper surface that is connected to a side wall surface. The sidewall surface extends from the concave upper surface to a rim interface disposed at a lower portion of the popcorn container lid. The rim interface can include a semi-circular channel extending circumferentially around at least a part of the lower portion of the popcorn container lid. Additionally, the rim interface can comprise an air channel extending from the side wall surface to a bottom edge of the popcorn container lid. The air channel can comprise a portion of the rim interface that protrudes such that it does not engage with a lip of the popcorn container.

Abstract: Films (or a cap layer of co-extruded films) and methods of forming the same are described herein. The films generally include a modified olefin based polymer including polypropylene and from 1 wt. % to 30 wt. % polylactic acid (PLA), wherein the modified olefin based polymer exhibits a seal initiation temperature (SIT) that is at least 5° C. less than a seal initiation temperature of the polypropylene absent the PLA and a hot tack range of at least 20° C.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of composite material member includes a step of shaping a laminate including laminated prepreg sheets along a mold. The laminate includes a first layer in which fibers are oriented in single direction. In the first layer, a first surface crossing the single direction and a second surface crossing the single direction are confronted each other such that the first surface and the second surface face each other. Since the fibers are discontinuous between the first surface and the second surface, the laminate is easily shaped and wrinkles are hard to be generated in a composite material member to be manufactured from the laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete with necessary durability using seawater and sea sand. The seawater mixed concrete of the present invention is obtained by mixing a mixture including slag-containing cement and sea sand, with seawater. And by including a nitrite-based admixture and pozzolan, the diffusion coefficient of concrete after hardening can be reduced to restrain the external intrusion of harmful factors. Further, the concrete structure according to the present invention can include seawater mixed concrete and reinforcement for increasing tensile strength.