Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sampling system for processing a liquid sample, including a retrieving module configured to be fluidically connected to a liquid-source and configured to retrieve a liquid sample from the liquid-source, a filling module configured to fill the retrieved liquid sample into a sampling container, a storing module configured to store the sampling container filled with the liquid sample, and a disposal module configured to discard the liquid sample.

Abstract: There is provided a forming system for forming a contoured composite structure having a complex curved configuration. The forming system includes a receiving station having a receiving assembly to receive a composite charge to be formed. The forming system includes a forming station having a forming assembly. The forming assembly includes a gantry assembly, an upper die assembly movably coupled to the gantry assembly, a lower die assembly coupled to a floor support beam positioned between the gantry assembly, and one or more pick-and-place devices movably coupled to the gantry assembly. The upper die assembly is separate from, and independently movable with respect to, the lower die assembly. The pick-and-place device(s) are designed to move the composite charge, and the contoured composite structure. The forming system includes a tray station having a tray assembly designed to receive the contoured composite structure from the forming station.

Abstract: Knit fabrics having ceramic strands, thermal protective members formed therefrom and to their methods of construction are disclosed. Methods for fabricating thermal protection using multiple materials which may be concurrently knit are also disclosed. This unique capability to knit high temperature ceramic fibers concurrently with a load-relieving process aid, such as an inorganic or organic material (e.g., metal alloy or polymer), both small diameter wires within the knit as well as large diameter wires which provide structural support and allow for the creation of near net-shape preforms at production level speed. Additionally, ceramic insulation can also be integrated concurrently to provide increased thermal protection.

Abstract: There is provided a forming apparatus for forming a high contour composite structure. The forming apparatus includes an upper die and a lower die between which a composite charge is formed. The forming apparatus further includes a plurality of load cells, a control system, and an overlay tool assembly coupled to the upper die. The overlay tool assembly has scalloped sections positioned between pairs of the plurality of load cells, and positioned against portion(s) of the composite charge. The composite charge has ply discontinuity features through the one or more portions. The overlay tool assembly denies pressure and a through thickness compaction to the one or more portions of the composite charge during a forming process, to allow one or more plies in the one or more portions to move after the forming process, and to enable in-plane bending of the high contour composite structure in post-forming operations.

Abstract: In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a method producing a composite board comprising plastic and cellulose is described. The method includes transmitting a first signal to a pair of opposing hot-platens, receipt of the first signal causing the pair of opposing hot-platens to compress and heat a composite mat; transmitting a second signal to the pair of opposing hot-platens, receipt of the second signal causing the pair of opposing hot-platens to heat and compress the composite mat at substantially a first pressure for a first time period; transmitting a third signal to the pair of opposing hot-platens, receipt of the third signal causing the pair of opposing hot-platens to release the composite mat from the first pressure; and transmitting a fourth signal to a pair of opposing cold-platens, receipt of the fourth signal causing the pair of opposing cold-platens to compress and cool the composite mat.

Abstract: A multi-layer elastomeric tooling for the manufacturing of composite structures is disclosed. The tooling comprises an elastomeric base material with an outer layer of fluoroelastomer. The base material can, in certain embodiments, be selected for its mechanical or thermal performance or low cost without the limitation of being a contact material. The outer material can, in various embodiments, have inferior mechanical properties, or durometers different than the base material or can be a contact or barrier material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a friction material containing a friction modifier, a fibrous material and a binder as raw materials is provided. The method includes a step of mixing and agitating the raw materials by low frequency acoustic agitation. A content of the fibrous material in the friction material may be 1 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less. The content of the fibrous material in the friction material may be 3 mass % or more and 40 mass % or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an object by means of a fused deposition modeling method (FDM), from a construction material, wherein the construction material comprises a polycarbonate and a di-glycerol ester. The invention also relates to the use of a polycarbonate with improved flowability comprising a diglycerol as construction material in an additive fused deposition modeling method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions in the form of silicone oil emulsions intended to be applied to curing bladders as a mould-release agent during tyre production.

Abstract: A balloon wrapping apparatus is disclosed by which a balloon can be accurately positioned and inserted in relation to a pleating section. The balloon wrapping apparatus for wrapping a balloon provided at a distal portion of an elongated shaft includes: a pleating section that forms the balloon with wing shapes; a folding section that folds the wing shapes formed in the balloon along a circumferential direction; a support base that supports a portion other than the distal portion of the shaft, and that makes the distal portion of the shaft insertable into the pleating section and the folding section; and a core metal member to be inserted in the shaft. The core metal member is inserted in the shaft from a distal end position of the balloon to at least the proximal side of a proximal end position of the balloon.

Abstract: There is provided a BN-containing ferromagnetic material sputtering target which is capable of suppressing generation of particles during sputtering. A sputtering target containing from 1 to 40 at. % of B and from 1 to 30 at. % of N and comprising a structure including at least one ferromagnetic metal-containing metal phase and at least one nonmagnetic material phase, wherein an X-ray diffraction profile obtained by analyzing the structure with an X-ray diffraction method exhibits a diffraction peak derived from cubic boron nitride.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a first mandrel, a second mandrel, and laminate securing mechanisms. The first mandrel has a first mandrel surface and a first mandrel surface edge. The second mandrel has a second mandrel surface and a second mandrel surface edge, and is positionable in a closed position in which the first mandrel surface edge and the second mandrel surface edge are in contact to form a continuous mandrel surface collectively defined by the first mandrel surface and the second mandrel surface. The second mandrel translates to an open position defining a gap between the first mandrel surface edge and the second mandrel surface edge for receiving a forming die. The laminate securing mechanisms secure the composite laminate on at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel during trimming and/or forming of the composite laminate.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, silicon nitride films and methods for forming silicon nitride films using at least on cyclodisilazane precursor. In one aspect, there is provided a method of forming a silicon nitride film comprising the steps of: providing a substrate in a reactor; introducing into the reactor an at least one cyclodisilazane comprising a hydrocarbon leaving group and two Si—H groups wherein the at least one cyclodisilazane reacts on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate to provide a chemisorbed layer; purging the reactor with a purge gas; introducing a plasma comprising nitrogen and an inert gas into the reactor to react with at least a portion of the chemisorbed layer and provide at least one reactive site wherein the plasma is generated at a power density ranging from about 0.01 to about 1.5 W/cm2.

Abstract: Provided is a resin composition containing: a resin (A) having a biomass-derived carbon atom; a resin (B) incompatible with the resin (A); and a plasticizer (C), in which a content of the resin (A) is larger than a content of the resin (B), and a glass transition temperature Tg(A) of the resin (A) is higher than a glass transition temperature Tg(B) of the resin (B).

Abstract: A balloon wrapping apparatus and a balloon wrapping method are disclosed by which a balloon can be accurately positioned in relation to a pleating section and to a folding section. The balloon wrapping apparatus for wrapping a balloon of a balloon catheter provided with the balloon at a distal portion of an elongated shaft includes: a pleating section having a plurality of blades aligned with space parts therebetween in a circumferential direction, and forms the balloon with wing shapes projecting in radial directions by clamping the balloon in the space parts by moving rotationally the blades; and a folding section having a plurality of blades aligned in a circumferential direction, and that folds the wing shapes formed in the balloon in the circumferential direction by moving rotationally the blades; and a support base that supports a part of the shaft which part is on a proximal side of the balloon.

Abstract: A method of forming a material includes presenting a formable material to a space between opposing forming surfaces of opposed forming tools from whence said material is carried as said opposing forming surfaces advance in a machine direction. The method includes pressurising, as said opposing forming surfaces advance, said material between said opposing forming surfaces in a reduced space between said opposing forming surfaces defining at least in part a pressure forming zone, said reduced space between said opposing forming surfaces being maintained constant until a form of at least one of said opposing forming surfaces is profiled into said material and is retainable thereon. The method also includes releasing the profiled material from between the said opposing forming surfaces, as the space of the pressure forming zone increases between said opposing forming surfaces as the opposing forming surfaces advance.

Abstract: A bridle catheter for installation into the nasal cavity of a patient comprises a tubular portion, a tape portion having a flattened geometry, and a transition zone located where the tubular portion meets the tape portion. A magnet is operatively attached in an open end of the tubular portion and secured therein so as to inhibit movement. A non-elastic member is integral with at least the tape portion and extends at least partially along a length thereof. In one example, the non-elastic member extends along substantially all of the tubular portion and tape portion. In another example, the non-elastic member comprises at least one of a ribbon or at least one fiber. A bridle catheter system is also provided that further comprises a stylet and a probe with a second magnet. A method of making the bridle catheter is further provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a monolithic ceramic electronic component includes the steps of preparing a first ceramic outer layer, stacking a plurality of inner electrodes and a plurality of ceramic green sheets on the first ceramic outer layer, forming an inner portion, applying first pressing in the stacking direction, forming an outer portion on the inner portion to form a second ceramic outer layer, applying second pressing in the stacking direction to form a multilayer body, cutting the mother multilayer body to obtain individual multilayer bodies, sintering the individual multilayer bodies to obtain ceramic bodies, and forming first and second outer electrodes on the outer surface of each of ceramic bodies.

Abstract: A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.

Abstract: A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.

Abstract: A physiological signal sensing structure, a stethoscope therewith, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The sensing structure for physiological signals includes a flexible substrate, a piezoelectric sensing structure and a damping structure. The piezoelectric sensing structure is disposed over the flexible substrate, and includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface of the piezoelectric sensing structure faces the flexible substrate. The piezoelectric sensing structure is an arc with a curvature, and the first surface thereof may face outward. The damping structure may be disposed between the flexible substrate and the piezoelectric sensing structure. In an embodiment, a further amplifying structure is disposed over the first surface of the piezoelectric sensing structure and contacts or does not contact a top region of the first surface.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of shaping a working material (12) into an article, consisting of two primary stages: (a) in the absence of added heat, consolidating and shaping the working material into a pre-form shape using a dynamic hydroforming process that employs a rigid, male-shaped tool (32) and a non-rigid, female-shaped tool (23, 24, 26); and (b) in the presence of added heat, further consolidating and shaping the working material into the final shape using at least one additional rigid forming tool (50).

Abstract: A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed.

Abstract: A method for producing a structural component from an organometallic sheet includes a first step in which the organometallic sheet is preheated. introduced into a tool and subsequently re-formed. In a second step, a region of the re-formed organometallic sheet is heated. In a third step at least the heated region of the re-formed organometallic sheet is re-formed further in such a way that it enters into a material bond with a further region of the organometallic sheet to form an at least partly closed hollow profile. A device for carrying out the method for producing a structural component from an organometallic sheet and a structural component produced by the method also are described.

Abstract: A method and assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article including a pair of first and second spaced apart fixtures adapted to supporting extending ends of an elongated article. The fixtures each exhibit a contoured upper surface upon which the elongated article is adapted to being supported in adhering fashion. A heated airflow is delivered in communication with at least one surface of the article and, upon cooling, the article exhibits an extending profile matching the contoured upper surface. A pre-heat station pre-softens at least an extending subset portion of the article prior to transfer to the fixture. Pluralities of gripping fingers communicate with an underside of the contoured upper surface and are adapted to engage at least underside accessible cross sectional profile locations of the article.

Abstract: Described is a mat (1) comprising a supporting layer (2); a plurality of filaments (3) anchored to the layer (2); at least one compacted zone (5) made on the layer (2) wherein the filaments (3) are compacted on the layer (2) and bonded to each other.

Abstract: Interior panels for motor vehicles and methods for making interior panels are provided. In one example, an interior panel includes, but is not limited to a fiber reinforced composite substrate that has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. The fiber reinforced composite substrate defines a plurality of inwardly tapered pockets. The inwardly tapered pockets are arranged proximate to each other and extend between the first and second sides. Each of the inwardly tapered pockets has an open end that is disposed in the second side and a closed end that is disposed adjacent to the first side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a package by moulding a cardboard blank in such a manner that a margin area (2) of the blank, surrounding a middle portion (1) of the blank, is bent upwards to form side walls of the package while the middle portion forms a bottom of the package. The cardboard blank prior to moulding is provided with at least one area (4) of reduced bending stiffness being located in a transition zone (3) between the side walls and the bottom. The package is moulded from the blank so that the at least one area (4) of reduced bending stiffness is located in the bended areas between the side walls and the bottom and extend in the running direction of the bend. The invention further relates to a package and a package blank that can be used for forming said package.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.

Abstract: A blister packaging for a pharmaceutical cartridge or capsule and methods of forming same are disclosed.

Abstract: An example tooling system for processing a workpiece includes a base, disposed about an axis. A press is axially aligned with the base. The press defines a pressing surface. A mandrel extends along the axis from the base toward the press. The mandrel is disposed at least partially in a first cavity defined by one of the base or the press. The first cavity defines a profile different from the workpiece and is arranged to receive the workpiece. The mandrel is arranged to be inserted into at least one pocket in the workpiece.

Abstract: A 3-d stereoscopic viewing lens which the retarder film is made of a PVA film. A 3-D stereoscopic viewing lens having a linear polarized film, one or more lens substrate layers, and an epoxy layer. A process of making retarder film including mounting a PVA film to an assembly line; wetting, cleaning, and washing the PVA film through said assembly line; softening, expanding and stretching the PVA film's x-axis through said assembly line; adding gap filling agent to the PVA film; stretching the PVA film's y-axis through a width frame holder and as a result transforming the PVA film into a retarder film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a soundproofing material by finely crushing a discarded car seat, mixing the crushed car seat with polyester fiber, low-melting polyester fiber such as LM PET, polypropylene fiber and hemp, and carding the resulting mixture, and a soundproofing material composition prepared thereby. The disclosed method allows recycling of polyurethane foam of the discarded car seat into a soundproofing material composition having superior appearance quality and soundproofing performance. The disclosed method also prevents generation of excessive static electricity and allows preparation of a soundproofing material with smooth surface.

Abstract: A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane.

Abstract: A method for fabricating anisotropic polymer particles comprises steps: providing a first substrate; arranging a plurality of polymer spheres on the first substrate; providing a second substrate to cover the polymer spheres; heating at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the polymer spheres; and applying force to the first substrate and the second substrate to squeeze the polymer spheres into a plurality of anisotropic polymer particles. The present invention uses simple compressing and heating processes to fabricate many types of anisotropic polymer structures and thus saves the cost and time of fabrication.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer article excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability and a production method of the polymer article. The polymer article of the present invention is formed of a polymer material and is a polymer blank or a formed polymer body. The polymer article of the present invention has a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%. A method for producing a polymer article of the present invention includes: a heating step of heating the polymer material to a temperature of not lower than (Tm?70)° C. but lower than Tm(° C.) where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the polymer material; and a compression step of cooling the polymer material heated in the heating step and compressing the polymer material in the course of the cooling to obtain a polymer article having a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%.

Abstract: Disclosed are void-containing polyester shrink films which show excellent density retention upon exposures to high temperatures. The films have high shrinkage and retain their low density after processing under conditions of temperature and moisture used in typical recycling processes. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications, and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations. Also disclosed is a process for void-containing polyester shrink films having high shrinkage and low density after exposure to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A method is provided for transferring a graphene sheet to metal contact bumps of a substrate that is to be used in a semiconductor device package, i.e. a stack of substrates connected by said contact bumps, e.g., copper contact bumps for which graphene forms a protective layer. An imprinter device can be used comprising an imprinter substrate, said substrate being provided with cavities, whereof each cavity is provided with a rim portion. The imprinter substrate is aligned with the substrate comprising the bumps and lowered onto said substrate so that each bump becomes enclosed by a cavity, until the rim portion of the cavities cuts through the graphene sheet, leaving graphene layer portions on top of each of bumps when the imprinter is removed. The graphene sheet is preferably attached to the substrate by imprinting it into a passivation layer surrounding the bumps.

Abstract: A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a random mat including reinforcing fibers wherein the content of reinforcing fibers having a fiber length of 3 mm or more and less than 15 mm is 50 to 100% by mass based on all the reinforcing fibers contained in the random mat and the content of reinforcing fibers having a fiber length of 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less is 0 to 50% by mass based on all the reinforcing fibers contained in the random mat, and satisfies specific values of fiber areal weight and the degree of opening.

Abstract: A device and method of producing a building panel with a compressed and curved edge including a press tool, a heat device and a lubricating device and a building panel with a curved edge produced by the device and method.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for molding breast cups in a seamless circularly-knitted brassiere having a breast-covering portion and a torso encircling band, the apparatus comprising a base, a rear wall extending upwardly from the base, an upper mold plate extending outwardly and substantially horizontally from the rear wall, the upper plate having a pair of spaced openings formed therethrough, the openings spaced and dimensioned to correspond to a pair of breast cups, and a plate intermediate to the base and the upper mold plate, and being vertically moveable between a first, upper position and a second, lower position for securing a brassiere blank in position against the upper plate for the molding of breast cups therein.

Abstract: A disposal method for entirely recycling solid refuse includes the following steps: sorting, crushing, drying, pressing with high pressure to shaped articles, producing charcoal from combustible refuse in high temperature and firing incombustible refuse in high temperature, at last cooling high temperature articles to obtain solid fuel with various shapes and bricks or board used for building. The method achieves entirely recycling house refuse, especial solid refuse. The method recycles solid refuse to obtain fuel and building material with economic value. The method is simple and its processing cost is low.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting soap fragments to create a soap bar from the soap fragments. The apparatus includes various replaceable molds to create soap bars having various shapes.

Abstract: Packing tray for protecting fragile and perishable food items, such as pears, which allows fruit items of varying dimensions and weights to be held securely in each pocket, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and fruit to be packaged in boxes (e.g., standard carton sizes). The tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and a plurality of recessed cell pockets, each cell pocket having a relatively thinner cell sidewall with expandable (accordion-like) flutes, and a relatively thicker bottom wall also with expandable flutes. This construction allows the cell bottoms in adjacent pockets and in adjacent trays of the stack to move relative to one another to accommodate various sizes and weights of fruit while still protecting the fruit from damage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manufacturing method of a new type of dielectric material having a predefined variable permittivity resulting from the manufacturing process. Main characteristic of the manufacturing method is that in a first step homogeneous dielectric material (100) is shaped in at least a direction and subsequently at least a part thereof is formed so that the resulting dielectric material body (102) has the predefined variation in permittivity in said at least one direction. Said forming step may advantageously comprise sub-steps of deforming at least a part of the shaped dielectric material body and fixing the so deformed dielectric material body. The manufacturing steps are adapted so to induce a predefined variation in permittivity corresponding but not limited to a certain law (e.g. Luneburg, Maxwell, . . . ).

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat compression molding process for the manufacturing of composite material articles, the process comprising the steps of i) providing a mold (20) in which the negative shape (31, 32) of an article (30) to be manufactured is formed; ii) inserting into said mold (20) an SMC semi-finished product (10) comprising one or more sheets of composite material comprising a matrix of a heat-hardening resin and carbon fibers, the mold being pre-heated at a temperature suitable to allow the cure of said heat-hardening resin; iii) closing the mold (20) and carrying out a compression cycle in an autoclave according to a pre-defined time-pressure law; and iv) extracting the article (30), wherein the amount of SMC semi-finished product (10) inserted in the mold (20) is calculated by weighing on the basis of the volume of the article (30) to be manufactured.