Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a fluoropolymer and two white inorganic fillers, the said composition being intended for the manufacture of thin monolayer films which are opaque to visible light and to UV rays and which can be used in particular in the field of photovoltaic cells. This composition consists of at least one fluoropolymer and of two white inorganic fillers, which are zinc oxide and titanium oxide; they are present in a proportion by weight ranging from 5 to 30% and from 3 to 7.5% respectively, The said composition additionally comprises less than 5% by weight of acrylic polymer, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A process for producing a homogenous multi compound system which is hydroxide- and/or oxide-based includes a first alternative process comprising providing a first and a second refractory metal in respective hydrofluoric solutions, and mixing the first and second hydrofluoric solutions to provide a mixed hydrofluoric solution comprising a dissolved first and second refractory metal. A second alternative process comprises dissolving the first and the second refractory metal in an alternative mixed hydrofluoric solution. The mixed hydrofluoric solution or the alternative mixed hydrofluoric solution is precipitated with a precipitant to provide a solids mixture in a suspension. The first and second refractory metal is from the group consisting of Mo, W, Nb, Re, Zr, Hf, V, Sb, Si, Al, and Ta. The first and second refractory metal are different. At least one of the first and second refractory metal is provided as a fluoro and/or as an oxyfluoro complex.

Abstract: Composite material for the making of decorative items which contains at least a polymeric component and at least a metallic powder dispersed in the polymeric component in an amount in weight between 2% and 95%. The metallic powder includes plate-like particles with a nanometric thickness of between 5 and 300 nm and a preferential growth in a two-dimensional surface with at least a dimension of between 0.6 and 100 ?m. A procedure for the making of an ornamental article includes at least a phase for preparing at least a base component of a silicone resin; at least a phase for preparing the metallic powder; at least an initial phase for mixing the metallic powder with the silicone resin base component to obtain an even mixture; and at least an initial phase for reticulating the base component in the even mixture with the metallic powder distributed in a homogeneous way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a microneedle which comprises the steps of spraying a composition into a mould, drying the composition and removal of the dried composition from the mould, thereby forming a microneedle that, when applied to the skin of a subject, pierces the stratum corneum to access the underlying tissue of the subject. The present invention also relates to a method for coating a microneedle which comprises the steps of spraying a composition onto a microneedle and drying the composition at an ambient temperature, thereby forming a coated microneedle that, when applied to the skin of a subject, pierces the stratum corneum to deliver the sprayed material to the underlying tissue of the subject.

Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.

Abstract: Provided are orally administrable thin film dosage forms adapted to adhere to a mucosal tissue of a patient, wherein said film comprises mixtures of polymers and insulin.

Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of a microprojection array are provided. In the methods, a formulation is introduced into cavities of a microprojection array mold by means that achieve a uniform amount of formulation retained in each cavity.

Abstract: A process for granulation of hot liquid slag where the hot liquid slag is mixed with solid metallic particles so as to form a solidified, vitrified slag cake mixed with said metallic particles and said slag cake is discharged in a water bath.

Abstract: Shingle material, preferably comprising a core with a capstock applied thereto is extruded, preferably by means of a co-extrusion process, onto a series of individual carrier plates, with the shingle material then being severed such that each carrier plate carries its own layer of shingle material thereon and the carrier plates are then delivered to a compression mold, in which the shingle is molded. The carrier plate and shingle is then removed from the mold and carried through a series of hold-down stations, after which the shingle is delivered to a trimmer, where flashing is simultaneously trimmed from its edges. The shingle is then cooled, preferably by sandwiching it between upper and lower retention members, which are cooled via a cooling tower. The retention members impart a curvature to the shingle. The carrier plates are returned via a return conveyor, to be heated, for re-use.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel formulation for marking trafficways, for example roads, which when compared with the prior art have improved mechanical properties and improved heat resistance during curing. The invention also relates to improved reactive resins for other applications than roadmarkings. The present invention in particular relates to reactive resins which comprise core-shell particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aqueous compositions for use in the manufacture of capsule shells endowed with bulk enteric properties. The present disclosure also relates, in part, to aqueous dispersions suitable for the implementation of said manufacturing process, and to enteric capsule shells and hard capsules obtained therewith.

Abstract: Lipid-based wax compositions and their methods of making are provided for compositions substantially free of fat bloom. The compositions comprise approximately 7-80 percent by weight triacylglycerides and approximately 20-93 percent by weight monoacylglycerides and diacylglycerides combined. The methods comprise blending the monoacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, and triacylglycerides in the lipid-based wax composition by heating the lipid-based wax composition at a sufficiently high temperature to destroy substantially all crystal structure within the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise pouring the lipid-based wax composition into a mold or a container having a surface and a core, wherein the pouring is conducted at a temperature at least 15° C. greater than the congeal point of the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise cooling the lipid-based wax composition under conditions sufficient to cool the core to at least 5° C.

Abstract: A molding machine is provided with a display section with a touchpanel. A first storage section of a storage device is stored with molding conditions corresponding to molded articles each affixed with identification information. A second storage section is stored with image data on the molded articles each affixed with identification information. A third storage section is stored with memo information corresponding to the molded articles each affixed with identification information. When an image selection switch section on the display section is operated, the screen is changed to an image list screen and a plurality of images called up from the second storage section are listed. If one of these images is touched, the screen is changed to a detail display screen.

Abstract: A process, and related structure, uses conventional palletized compositions to form the elements of a non-textile fabric by coining a single pellet or briquette of a polymer into an individual element in a single forming step. The steps of the process generally include: a) positioning a pellet in or adjacent to a mold cavity, and b) forcing the pellet into contact with the mold surfaces of the mold cavity to plastically deform the pellet to the shape of the mold cavity. The forcing step preferably uses an energy and speed where the pellet superplastically deforms to substantially fill the mold cavity. This process is repeated with the elements being formed in the appropriate order to form a non-textile fabric. The elements thus formed can have a variety of shapes, and can form base units for the formation of the non-textile fabric of two, three or more elements.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes a substrate having an energy generating element configured to generate energy required to discharge liquid, a discharge port configured to discharge the liquid and provided in an opposed relationship to the energy generating element, a wall member defining a chamber adapted to store the energy required to discharge liquid the energy being generated by the energy generating element, a discharge portion defining a fluid path connecting the chamber and the discharge port, a supply path facilitating supplying the liquid into the chamber, and a pair of hollow portions provided in the wall member, wherein the hollow portions oppose each other and sandwich at least the entire discharge port in a direction from the discharge port to the substrate, and the hollow portions are independent of the chamber.

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 method is provided for forming a substantially uniaxially-oriented, high content cellulose nanocrystal film. The method includes providing a plant-biomass-based suspension of cellulose nanocrystals and altering the pH of the cellulose nanocrystals to a substantially neutral pH. The suspension is sheared at a shearing rate. The method further includes orienting the cellulose nanocrystals in a substantially axial direction and removing water from the sheared cellulose nanocrystal suspension. As a result, a substantially uniaxially-oriented cellulose nanocrystal film is formed.

Abstract: A pipe comprises a pipe wall formed of a composite material of a matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres embedded within the matrix. At least one longitudinal portion of the pipe wall comprises or defines a local variation in construction to provide a variation in a property of the pipe.

Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies, components therefor, and features thereof are described. Also described are methods of assembly and use. In depicted examples, the air cleaner assemblies and components optionally use advantageous housing seal features. Also, an advantageous resonator/sonic choke arrangement, which is optional and which can be used without the advantageous housing seal, is described. Methods of assembly and use are described.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermal interface material assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermal interface material assembly generally includes a thermal interface material having a first side and a second side and a dry material having a thickness of about 0.0005 inches or less. The dry material is disposed along at least a portion of the first side of the thermal interface material.

Abstract: A pipe comprises a pipe wall formed of a composite material of at a matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres embedded within the matrix, wherein at least one circumferential segment of the pipe wall comprises or defines a local variation in construction to provide a local variation in a property of the pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for flattening a packaged structure are provided. The mechanisms involve a flattening apparatus and the utilization of protection layer(s) between the packaged structure and the surface(s) of the flattening apparatus. The protection layer(s) is made of a soft and non-sticking material to allow protecting exposed fragile elements of the packaged structure and easy separation after processing. The embodiments of flattening process involve flattening the warped packaged structure by pressure under elevated processing temperature. Processing under elevated temperature allows the package structure to be flattened within a reasonable processing time.

Abstract: A synthetic thatch member for use as a roofing material product, along with associated methods for manufacturing and installing the same are provided. The synthetic thatch member comprises: a plurality of frond members defining a first three-dimensional surface of the thatch member and a second three-dimensional surface of the thatch member, the first and second surfaces comprising opposing sides of the plurality of frond members; a fused portion comprising a first portion of each of the plurality of frond members, wherein each of the first portions is connected relative to one another, such that the fused portion defines a substantially impermeable surface; and a serrated portion comprising a second portion of each of the plurality of frond members, each of the second portions being separated relative to one another, such that a plurality of gaps are defined between each of the plurality of frond members.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon of an intragastric device comprises a substantially homogonous lend of polydiphenylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane. The substantially homogenous blend improves elongation percentage, tear strength, permeability, and modulus as compared to its constituent parts taken alone.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure having a compressive strength greater than about 1,000 psi. The method comprises placing a cement-based material in an insulated concrete form, wherein the insulated concrete form has an R-value of at least 1.5, wherein the cement-based material comprises approximately 10% to approximately 80% by weight portland cement, and at least one of approximately 10% to approximately 90% by weight slag cement and approximately 5% to approximately 80% by weight fly ash. The invention also comprises a method of making a cement-based object or structure. The invention further comprises objects or structures made by the foregoing methods.

Abstract: A method of making a substrate having multi-layered structures thereon, the method comprising the steps of (a) applying a mold having an imprint forming surface to the substrate to form an array of imprint structures that projects from the substrate; and (b) applying a lateral force that is substantially normal to said projecting imprint structures to cause said imprint structures to move angularly towards said substrate and thereby form a pattern of multi-layered structures thereon.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, a reactant gas pipe for supplying a reactant gas to the fuel cell, and an injector for controlling the state of the gas on the upstream side in the reactant gas pipe and supplying the reactant gas to the downstream side by driving a valve element with an electromagnetic drive force at a predetermined drive cycle to separate the valve element from a valve seat. The injector is provided integrally in the fuel cell, and hence the vibration and noise of the injector can be absorbed and suppressed by the fuel cell as a heavy article.

Abstract: An article having a first major surface with at least first and second regions, the first region comprising a plurality of first structures having a first surface roughness, the second region comprising a plurality of second structures having a second surface roughness, wherein at least a portion of the at least first and second regions have a surface roughness difference between them that together exhibit at least a portion of a first image. Exemplary uses of the articles include tool-less macro-patterning of transflectors, customized appearance for retroreflective sheeting, incorporation of security features, decorative patterns for lighting diffusers, images or logos in medical films without inks or contamination.

Abstract: A structure for a passenger vehicle interior is a structure for constituting the vehicle interior of a passenger vehicle, is formed in a monocoque structure in which the entire structure from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle interior is integrally formed by a fiber-reinforced resin, has a bowl-shaped structure part which is provided at least on the front side among the front side and the rear side of the structure and which opens toward the rear side, and has a side-wall part formed as a vertical wall that is continuous with the bowl-shaped structure part and extends in a front-rear direction of the structure, at each of both side parts of the structure, and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: A photocurable composition capable of producing a micropattern-formed product efficiently, which is excellent in physical properties such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, releasability and optical characteristics (transmittance and low refractive index), and a process for producing a micropattern-formed product, capable of highly precisely transferring a micropattern of a mold to its surface are provided. A photocurable composition which comprises from 50 to 98 mass % of a monomer containing no fluorine atom and having a viscosity at 25° C. of from 0.1 to 100 mPa·s, from 0.1 to 45 mass % of a fluoromonomer, from more than 0.1 to 20 mass % of a fluorinated surfactant and/or a fluoropolymer and from 1 to 10 mass % of a photopolymerization initiator, and contains substantially no solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water soluble compositions, such as films, including a mixture of a first water-soluble resin, an enzyme, and an enzyme stabilizer which comprises a functional substrate for the enzyme, methods of making such compositions, and methods of using such compositions, e.g. to make packets containing functional ingredients. The enzymes can include proteases and mixtures of proteases with other enzymes, and the compositions provide good retention of enzyme function following film processing and storage.

Abstract: A family of functionalized polymers is provided capable of forming membranes having exceptional OH? ionic conductivity as well as advantageous mechanical properties, which may be applied to membranes including such polymers for use in, e.g., AEMFC/HEMFC fuel cells. Preferred functional groups include a quaternary phosphonium, and the polymer may specifically be (tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) phosphine)3 functionalized phosphonium polysulfone hydroxide, ECL-PVBC-QPOH, or QPOH based on any of the commercial polumers including polycarbonate (PC), poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), polyetherimine (PEI), poly(ether sulfone) (PES), poly(phenylene sulfoxide) PPS, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), or polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). An ionomer membrane may include polysulfone based TPQPOH, ECL-PVBC-QPOH, and/or PPO.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photocurable resin composition for nanoimprint, containing a curable monomer component with or without a binder resin. The composition further contains 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of a compound having a reactive functional group and a hydrophobic functional group in the same molecular skeleton, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the curable monomer component and binder resin. Preferably, the reactive functional group is at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, epoxy groups, vinyl ether groups, oxetanyl groups, alkoxysilane groups, and free-radically polymerizable vinyl groups, and the hydrophobic functional group is at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing groups, alkylsilane groups, alicyclic hydrocarbon groups, and aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 4 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 ?m, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 ?m up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is produced by casting a solution comprising a cellulose acylate resin and a partially ring-opened, styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The produced film has improved wet heat durability and low haze.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for lyophilizing particles comprising frozen liquid having a pharmaceutical compound contained therein, comprising providing a heat conducting container having a bottom and side walls, filling the container with a bed of the particles, the bed comprising multiple layers of the particles and having an aspect ratio of not less than 1, providing a heat source above a top layer of the particles, the heat source having a surface directed to a top layer of the bed, which surface has an emissivity coefficient of at least 0.4, subjecting the particles filled in the container to a reduced pressure, heating at least the bottom of the container and the said surface to provide heat to the particles to support sublimation of the frozen liquid at the reduced pressure, and after the frozen liquid is sublimated, stopping the provision of heat to the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet conveying roller, which effectively reduces the amount of paper dust accumulated on its outer peripheral surface to thereby suppress sheet transportation failure. The sheet conveying roller includes a nonporous tubular elastic member (1). The elastic member (1) has a plurality of recesses (6) or a plurality of through-holes (8) equidistantly arranged in a center axis (L1) direction thereof and equidistantly arranged in a circumferential direction thereof, and each having an opening having a round plan shape in an outer peripheral surface (2) thereof, wherein the recesses (6) each have a constant depth as measured thicknesswise of the elastic member (1), wherein the through-holes (8) each extend thicknesswise through the elastic member (1). A production method includes forming the elastic member by vulcanizing a rubber composition in a vulcanization mold having projections corresponding to the recesses or the through-holes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component from a composite-fiber-material semifinished product includes providing a forming support having a contour including at least one section corresponding to a surface of the manufactured component. The semifinished product is placed onto the forming support and the semifinished product is formed such that the semifinished product contacts the forming support. Further, a device form manufacturing component includes the forming support having the contour including at least one section corresponding to the surface of the manufacture component.

Abstract: Reclosable zippers for reclosable packages are disclosed. The zippers include male and female profiles. The female profiles are periodically inwardly and/or upwardly deformed in order to generate tactile and audible feedback when the zippers are opened or closed by the user. The deformation of the female profiles typically maintains the strength of the zipper.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The method of the invention is characterized by using a solvent mixture including at least one organic solvent which dissolves the polymerizable material in a lens-forming composition and a small amount of water. By having a small amount of water in the lens-forming composition, the mechanical strength of lenses cast-molded from the lens-forming composition can be sufficiently high so that the lenses can survives during mold opening and demolding process, thereby increasing the production yield.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device comprising a body that defines a first surface and a second surface and defines a first, second, third and fourth lateral sides. In one embodiment, the first surface defines a first aperture and a second aperture. In one embodiment, the thickness of the body along the first lateral side is greater than the thickness of the body along the third lateral side such that the first surface slopes downwards from the first lateral side towards the third lateral side. The device not only reduces the pressure on the tailbone or on the hemorrhoids for a person in a seated position, but also reduces the discomfort or pain associated with settling into a seated position or emerging from a seated position.

Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .

Abstract: A process is described for making a resin panel having a grid support backing, comprising (a) applying a layer of liquid gelcoat or first resin to a surface of a mold and allowing the gelcoat or first resin to harden as a surface layer, (b) applying a layer of liquid second resin to a surface of the surface layer, (c) affixing a support grid on top of the layer of liquid second resin, (d) curing the liquid second resin at ambient temperature and pressure, so that the support grid is integral with the cured layer of resin to form a resin panel, and (e) removing the resin panel from the mold.

Abstract: A composition having nanoparticles of silicon carbide and a carbonaceous matrix or silicon matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition having silicon and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining silicon and the organic compound and heating to form silicon carbide or silicon nitride nanoparticles.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light source, and a resin component disposed on the periphery of the light source. The resin component has a designed surface that can be observed from the outside of the lamp. The designed surface includes a textured surface having minute irregularities, and a projecting portion provided adjacent to the textured surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filamentized fiber reinforced putty compound, to parts made from said putty, and to devices and methods for manufacturing both the putty and the parts. The compound of the invention is formed by a chopped fibers composition including monofilaments that have been broken down from chopped strands and a UV and/or chemical curable resin composition and is a ready-to-mold plastic putty used in molding, mainly by continuous lamination/pultrusion/extrusion and injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stain- or dye-resistant light colored articles comprising a polymer composition (C) comprising a semi-aromatic polyamide comprising recurring units resulting from the condensation of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and at least one aliphatic diamine comprising 6 carbon atoms, a filler and from 0.1 to 35 wt. % of a white pigment, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C).