Abstract: An installation (100) for the manufacture of ceramic products comprises a mold (1) divided into at least two parts (2, 3) forming an internal cavity (C) where the ceramic product is formed, and mobile towards and away from each other, under the action of respective drive means (4) acting in both directions along a predetermined clamping line (S), in such a way as to join or detach the parts (2, 3) to/from each other; each part (2, 3) of the mold (1) comprises at least one rear outside surface (2p, 3p) and one lateral outside surface (2s, 3s); at least one of the parts (2, 3) is equipped with means (6) for containing and controlling a fluid and encompassing the rear (2p, 3p) and lateral (2s, 3s) outside surfaces of the mold (1) part (2, 3); the containment means (6) are associated with the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) in such a way that during the product casting cycle the forces (SF) acting on the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) are constantly compensated by correlated forces (FR).

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube metal composite includes the following steps. A number of carbon nanotubes is dispersed in a solvent to obtain a suspension. Metal powder is added into the suspension, and then the suspension agitated. The suspension containing the metal powder is allowed to stand for a while. The solvent is reduced to obtain a mixture of the number of carbon nanotubes and the metal powder.

Abstract: An RTM molding method includes disposing a reinforcing fiber substrate in a cavity of a mold consisting of a plurality of dies, clamping the mold, and thereafter injecting resin to complete molding, characterized in that divided areas with respect to the surface direction of the reinforcing fiber substrate are assumed, each divided area is one in which injected resin expands over the entire surface in the area and can be substantially uniformly impregnated in the thickness direction of the substrate, and resin introducing paths are formed for respective assumed divided areas for introducing the injected resin into the respective divided areas; and an RTM molding device. When a relatively large molded product is to be molded, a molding step from resin injection to impregnating/curing can be implemented at high speed without generating a non-resin-flowing area, thereby enabling a high-quality molded product to be produced free from voids, etc.

Abstract: A non-pressurized sport ball that simulates the resiliency, rebound, hardness and weight properties of a similar sized, inflatable sports ball. The sports ball, which can be made in different sizes and shapes, includes a hollow ball body with a relatively thick sidewall made of closed-cell foam, elastomeric resin. When cured, the sidewalls have compression and resiliency properties that enable the working action of the sidewall to be used in place of an air bladder in an inflatable sports ball. Formed on the ball body is an entry hole in which an air escaping cap is inserted made of the same elastomeric resin material as the ball body. During use, the cap flexes within the entry hole to allow air to exit and enter the ball during use so that the internal and external air pressures are equal. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the sports ball using a mandrel and a suitable-shaped compression mold with an entry hole formed on one side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic capsule for the storage and delivery of dental material, the capsule exhibiting a cylindrical cavity in a first capsule section and connecting the first and a third capsule section in a second capsule section and the third capsule section being a dispensing nipple angled with respect to the first capsule section characterised in that the first capsule section exhibits a reinforced longitudinal side and a longitudinal formed in a round manner and the reinforced longitudinal side is an edge on a round tube, the edge forming the reinforcement, and to similar capsules with two reinforcement edges.

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

Abstract: A method of molding an object with a mold having a transfer face includes the steps of filling, separating, re-melting, re-contacting, cooling, and removing. The filling step fills a thermoplastic material, having a temperature greater than a softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, into a cavity space in the mold having a temperature smaller than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comes in contact with the transfer face and is cooled. The separating step separates the transfer face from the thermoplastic material to form a heat-insulating layer between the thermoplastic material and transfer face. The re-melting step re-melts the thermoplastic material with heat energy retained inside the thermoplastic material. The re-contacting step re-contacts the re-melted thermoplastic material to the transfer face. The cooling step cools the thermoplastic material to a temperature smaller than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising tungsten, methods of manufacturing nanoparticles comprising tungsten, and applications of nanoparticles comprising tungsten, such as electronics, optical devices, photonics, reagents for fine chemical synthesis, pigments, and catalysts are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced polyurethane-urea elastomers with a specific urea content and a specific urethane content, to sheet polyurethane moldings with high surface energy and good lacquer adhesion produced therefrom, and to their use.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir for a penile implant device that includes a body portion having a sleeve from which a tube may extend. The body portion includes support structure positioned at an interior surface of the body portion near an orifice of the reservoir, which orifice leads to a fluid passage of the tube. The support structure may comprise a plurality of protrusions that are arranged around the orifice and that extend from a base portion of the body portion. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir for a penile implant device, which includes positioning a tube in a mold and injection molding a reservoir body onto the tube. More particularly, the method may include providing a mold, positioning a tube in the mold, injecting material into the mold, curing the material, and opening the mold to remove the reservoir body and tube assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photochromic film which is formed by curing a photochromic composition and includes a multifunctional (metha)acrylate-based monomer that has two or more functional groups, and a photochromic dye, a product including the same, and a method for producing the photochromic film.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded toy product is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include securing a preformed item having a first magnetic-attraction element in a desired location in a mold via magnetic attraction between the first magnetic-attraction element and the mold; adding moldable material into the mold such that the moldable material covers at least part of the preformed item; and curing the moldable material. A mold for manufacturing a molded toy product also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the mold may include a mold core including a surface and at least a second magnetic-attraction element complementary with at least a first magnetic-attraction element of a preformed item; and at least one mold cavity wall spaced from the mold core, wherein an area between the mold core surface and the at least one mold cavity wall is configured to receive moldable material.

Abstract: Compositions containing at least one liquid epoxy resin, at least one solid epoxy resin, at least one propellant, at least one curing agent and at least one mica-containing filler produce expandable, thermally curable binder systems which may be used without the addition of hollow glass beads for the production of stiffening and reinforcing laminates and for the production of stiffening and reinforcing moldings. Said laminates according to the invention are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of components, in particular in the automotive industry, such as car body frames, doors, boot lids, engine bonnets and/or roof parts. In addition, the mouldings that may be produced from said binders are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of hollow metal structures, in particular of hollow car body parts such as body frames, body supports and posts or doors in the automotive industry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a preferably crosslinked polymer product from a starting polymer. In said method, at least one liquid additive and other additives are metered to the starting polymer and are then processed into the final product in a continuous casting or injection molding device. The additives are first mixed with a suitable supporting material that has a fissured surface or an open cell structure, whereupon the liquid additive is added. Said mixture is then mixed with the basic material and is processed immediately in front of the continuous casting or injection molding device.

Abstract: A process for producing a graphite cage for an anti-friction bearing, which cage holds a plurality of anti-friction elements, characterized in that a cage injection moulding is injected in an injection moulding process from a mass comprising carbon mesophase powder, and this cage injection moulding is subsequently heat-treated in order to transform the carbon from the mesophase into pure graphite.

Abstract: A resin main body (3) defining a bore (7) through which intake air flows, and a valve body (60) having a shaft part (20) rotatably supported by the main body (3) and a valve part (4) for opening and closing the bore (7) of the main body (3) are provided. The main body (3) is molded with the valve body (60) inserted together with a pair of bearing sleeves (24). At the time of molding the main body (3), the bearing sleeves (24) are biased in a direction opposite to the flow of the intake air with the valve body (60) being positioned in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a composite material connecting rod, the method comprising the step of cutting out a pattern presenting two opposite edges from a composite fiber fabric made up of a plurality of superposed primary plies that are bonded together in such a manner that the primary plies can slide relative to one another, rolling the pattern into a tube in such a manner that the primary plies slide relative to one another to give a chamfer shape to the two edges, and joining together the chamfer-shaped edges so that they overlap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a composite material having a homogeneous composition, containing at least one bioactive ceramic phase and at least one bioresorbable polymer. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) a bioactive ceramic phase in powder form is obtained, b) the bioactive ceramic powder is suspended in a solvent, c) a bioresorbable polymer is added to the suspension obtained in (b) and mixed to produce a viscous homogeneous dispersion of said bioactive ceramic powder in a solution formed by the solvent and the polymer, and d) the dispersion obtained in (c) is precipitated in an aqueous solution in order to obtain a homogeneous composite material. The invention also relates to the resulting composite material and to the use thereof in the production of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a hardener for the epoxy resin, (c) a product of the reaction of a microgel containing carboxylic acid groups and a nitrogen-containing base, and (d) an electrically conducting filler combination comprising, based on the total amount of filler, at least 75% by weight of graphite, are particularly suitable for producing biopolar plates.

Abstract: To provide injection molded articles that are formed from plant-derived materials as main components and have heat resistance and high crystallization rates. The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing: (A) a lactic acid based resin; and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, wherein the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyolefin composition comprising a 50-80 wt % of propylene omopolymer or copolymer and a first and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, said composition having good stress whitening resistance and gloss, in combination with a good balance of mechanical properties.

Abstract: A rubber injection molding device comprising: a mold having a molding cavity therein; an injecting machine including an injection cylinder having an injection chamber for storing a rubber therein, and an injection plunger for injecting the rubber from the injection chamber into the molding cavity by means of an advancement of the injection plunger; a feed machine having a feed cylinder with a feed aperture formed at a tip end thereof and connected with the injection chamber through a feed duct, and being adapted to feed into the injection chamber, through the feed duct the rubber in a mixed state, and a pushing assembly which pushes into the injection chamber the rubber that remains within the feed duct after a feed operation of the rubber by the feed machine. A manufacturing method of a rubber product by using the molding device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite turbomachine blade, the method comprising the following steps: a) making a preform by three-dimensionally weaving yarns including tracer yarns disposed at least at the surface of the preform; b) cutting out said preform so as to leave intact a series of tracer yarns situated along a reference face of the preform; c) pre-deforming said cut-out preform; d) compacting and stiffening said pre-deformed preform; e) providing an injection mold in which said stiffened preform is placed; f) heating said injection mold; g) injecting a binder into said injection mold, the binder comprising a thermosettable resin; and h) extracting from the mold a composite molded part presenting substantially the shape and the dimensions of said blade. The invention is applicable to a making fan blade.

Abstract: A die for forming a lost wax ceramic core allows the formation of non-parallel separating spaces between adjacent portions of the core. The core will eventually form cooling channels in an airfoil. The die for forming the core includes a plurality of moving parts having rib extensions. At least some rib extensions are non-parallel to form the non-parallel spaces. The die includes two main die halves that come together to form several of the spaces. Inserts move with those die components and come together to form other spaces. At least one of the inserts contacts surfaces on one of the die halves, such that the non-parallel spaces are formed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an actuator including a casing and a housing. The method includes setting a metallic ring in a molding die; injection molding a first flange portion of the casing using one annular hooking piece of the metallic ring as a part of a surface of the molding die so as to outsert-mold the metallic ring on a molded surface of the first flange portion, the molded surface being opposite to a first connecting end surface of the first flange portion; engaging the first flange portion with a second flange portion of the housing so as to be opposed to each other; and applying force to bend the metallic ring to form an other annular hooking piece, thereby crimping and fixing the first connecting end surface of the casing with a second connecting end surface of the housing.

Abstract: A graft formation and delivery instrument comprising an outer barrel, a piston, and an inner pin. The outer barrel has a center aperture. The piston is seated within the center aperture, has a through bore, and is operable to move within the center aperture. The inner pin is seated within the through bore of the piston and operable to move within the through bore. The outer barrel receives multiple graft components that are contacted by at least one of the piston and the inner pin to assemble a composite graft from the graft components. The instrument is operable to direct the composite graft to a desired implant area and deposit the composite graft at the implant area.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprises (a) an epoxy resin, (b) an anionic polymerization initiator and (c) from 1 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of epoxy resin (a) of an aromatic ring-containing proton donor of a polyhydric alcohol and/or a polymercaptan.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabrication of a magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material, the apparatus includes a thixomolding machine, and a feeding device. The thixomolding machine includes a heating barrel, a feeding inlet, a nozzle, a heating portion, and a plunger. The heating barrel includes a first end and a second end. The feeding inlet is disposed at the first end. The nozzle is disposed at the second end. The heating portion is disposed around the heating barrel. The plunger is disposed at a center of the heating barrel. The feeding device includes a hopper; an aspirator connected to the hopper, a first container, and a second container. The hopper is in communication with the first container and the second container. A method for fabricating a magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material is also provided.

Abstract: A method of injection moulding an article from a water-soluble polymer, said method comprising: providing a mould comprising a male portion and a female portion defining a mould cavity, said portions being movable relative to one another to vary the volume of the mould cavity, injecting molten water-soluble polymer into the mould when the male portion and female portion are in a first position, and initiating relative movement of the male portion and female portion to reduce the volume of the mould cavity so as to force the molten water-soluble polymer already in the mould cavity into at least part of the remainder of the mould.

Abstract: A container or other article is integrally molded to a labeling assembly. The labeling assembly includes a release surface for releasably supporting an adhesive label for identifying a feature of the container. A method of making a container having an in-mold labeling assembly is also disclosed. A labeling assembly is provided in a mold cavity so that the top face of the labeling assembly faces away from the hollow mold cavity. Moldable material is introduced into the mold cavity to form the container and the formed container is integrally molded to the labeling assembly. A method for tracking the contents of a container using such an assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A screw and method for processing metal, metallic alloys, and metal matrix composites in a plastic injection molding machine is disclosed. The screw includes shank with a screw shaft extending from the shank. The screw shaft includes a rear portion proximate to the shank, a middle portion proximate the rear portion, and a front portion proximate the middle portion. Flights extend from the rear portion of the screw shaft for advancing material through the plastic injection molding machine into the middle portion of the screw shaft. Flights may optionally be included in the front portion of the screw.

Abstract: A resin infusion mold tool system for use in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process with a subsequent pressure bleed step. The mold tool system includes a mold assembly having an outer mold line tool connected to resin supply lines and supplying resin to the preform. A plurality of inner mold line tools form a hard interface with the inner mold line of the fiber preform and are held to within tight tolerances by an external locating fixture. Excess resin is drawn out of the fiber preform using a vacuum bag connected to vacuum lines and disposed over the inner mold line tools but not between the tools and the fiber preform. The mold assembly is placed in an autoclave, the resin supply lines are detached and the autoclave pressurized to bleed additional resin out of the preform to raise the fiber volume of the composite structure.

Abstract: A fan frame has embedded power source contact terminals. The fan frame includes a fan frame and a pair of contact terminals for connecting to a power source. When the fan frame is made by means of plastic injection molding, the pair of contact terminals is formed in the fan frame by means of coating injection, and only the contact portions of the pair of contact terminals are exposed for the conductive contact.

Abstract: A composite riser for an archery bow formed from fibers embedded in resin in such a way that resin rich areas, dry fibers and voids are eliminated, providing consistent risers of high quality. The location of structural fibers, such as a carbon fibers or fiberglass composite materials, is ensured within a mold used to form the riser and relative to the resin which bonds the fibers together. Various processes may be used to form the riser with control of the fibers and resin maintained. For example, structural reaction injection molding, liquid composite molding, continuous fiber molding, modified compression molding, resin transfer molding and variable infusion molding processes can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of forming shaped articles from suspensions which include ceramic or metallic powder, or from solutions or suspensions which include one or more pharmaceutical substances or other components. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combining solvent, polymer, cross-linking agent precursor and optional further components and placing into a mould of desired shape; (b) increasing temperature of mould contents to activate cross-linking agent; (c) allowing mould contents to solidify to sufficient extent to remove mould; (d) removing shaped article from the mould.

Abstract: Sports equipment incorporate thermoplastic compositions including urethane and a nitroso reaction product of a nitroso compound and a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. The invention on allows for the processing advantages of a thermoplastic urethane with the superior performance characteristics of a cross-linked polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a miniature hard disc drive having a metal base plate, an actuator assembly wherein the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of bearings, a shaft, and a housing; a spindle motor assembly comprising a stator with conductors, a shaft, a plurality of bearings, and a rotor; and a monolithic body of phase change material unitizing said actuator assembly housing and stator to the base plate. Methods of developing and constructing the hard disc drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin roller (10) is produced by disposing a core body (21) in a forming metal mold (1) having a cylindrical metal mold (13) and core supporting members (14) furnished at both edge parts of the cylindrical metal mold (13) as well as causing the core supporting members (14) to hold the both edge parts, and pouring a forming resin into the metal mold and solidifying it. The resin roller (10) has the core body (21) of the same outer diameter over a full length and a cylindrical resin-formed body (12), sealing members (24, 26) are furnished around the core body (21) in the vicinity of both edge parts of the resin-formed body (12), and the core body is disposed such that the sealing members (24, 26) contact edge faces (14a) at sides of a roller forming space of the core supporting members (14).

Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A method for casting Y2O3 has steps of adding an acid to a slurry comprising at least a ceramic material having a purity of an Y2O3 being 99 wt % or more with an average particle diameter of 2 &mgr;m or less, water, a binder and a dispersant so that a pH value can be adjusted ranging from 8.5 to 10.5 and injecting the slurry into a mold.

Abstract: Solid rollers of a urethane material are formed in closed mold formed by a tube and two end plugs spaced by a shaft, the latter becoming the shaft for the roller. The closed mold avoids rough grinding to a cylindrical shape, as well as avoiding the resulting waste of material and introduction of defects that arise from rough grinding. The formation of bubbles during injection of the urethane material is avoided by filling the closed mold with carbon dioxide gas prior to injection. The formation of gate marks in the urethane material is avoided by repositioning the end caps after injection to separate the injection gate from the cylindrical cavity. The need to trim the ends of the roller is avoided by providing an annular cavity between the top end cap and the tube that receives excess urethane material to be drawn into the cylindrical cavity as the urethane shrinks during curing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a large FRP member and has the following structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer composites comprising at least one, optionally hydrogenated, nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 30 at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent, a process for preparing said polymer composite wherein at least one, optionally hydrogenated, nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 30, at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent are mixed and a process for the manufacture of a shaped article comprising the step of injection molding a polymer composite comprising at least one, optionally hydrogenated, nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 30, at least one filler and at least one cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a clutch lining consisting in: injecting a friction material containing a polyester resin into a mould; the material also contains a polymerisation catalyst, glass fibres, chalk, mica, talc, kaolin, thermoplastic fillers and a mould release agent. The invention also relates to a clutch lining obtained using said method and a clutch disc fitted with one such lining.

Abstract: A carbonaceous composite material molded from a carbonaceous composite compound composed mainly of graphite, a thermosetting resin, and a fibrous base material, wherein molding is carried out in such a way that said fibrous base material is oriented in said carbonaceous composite material; a process for producing said carbonaceous composite material; a fuel cell separator having said carbonaceous composite material as a component; and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The carbonaceous composite material can be produced by injection molding, transfer molding or extrusion molding without difficulties encountered in the past. It has high strength, with a minimum amount of warpage. It contributes to productivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a roll boot from an injection-moldable elastomer, comprising the following steps: injection-molding a basic member having a cylindrical portion and a widened portion; turning the basic member inside out; folding the widened portion outwardly so that it partially comes to lie outwards of the cylindrical portion, forming a roll wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding and curing silicone includes a press, one nozzles operatively engaged to the press, a liquid cooled manifold plate disposed to cool the nozzles, a heatable top platen having nozzle receptacles therein to receive the nozzles therein and a mold plate having a mold cavity therein. The mold plate and top platen are oriented for placement in the injecting position to allow the top platen to contact the mold plate while the nozzles are inserted into the nozzle receptacles of the top platen so that silicone is injected into the mold plate and into the mold cavity. The apparatus may be placed in the curing position when the top platen is heated and contacts the mold plate to allow silicone injected in mold plate to cure. The apparatus may be placed in a home position where the mold plate is uncontacted by the heated top platen which is uncooled by the manifold plate in the home position.

Abstract: Solid rollers of a urethane material are formed in closed mold formed by a tube and two end plugs spaced by a shaft, the latter becoming the shaft for the roller. The closed mold avoids rough grinding to a cylindrical shape, as well as avoiding the resulting waste of material and introduction of defects that arise from rough grinding. The formation of bubbles during injection of the urethane material is avoided by filling the closed mold with carbon dioxide gas prior to injection. The formation of gate marks in the urethane material is avoided by repositioning the end caps after injection to separate the injection gate from the cylindrical cavity. The need to trim the ends of the roller is avoided by providing an annular cavity between the top end cap and the tube that receives excess urethane material to be drawn into the cylindrical cavity as the urethane shrinks during curing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping member for use on a tubular insertion member of an applicator for inserting an object into a body cavity. The gripping member includes a plastic sleeve having a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, an outer surface, and a bore extending from the first end to the second end. It also includes a plurality of raised features disposed on the outer surface of the body, extending away from the longitudinal axis. At least one of the raised features is proximate the first end, and at least one of the raised features is proximate the second end. Finally, at least one notch defined by side edges is disposed at one of the first and second ends to impart flexibility to the associated end. The plastic sleeve is arranged and configured to be affixed to the associated tubular insertion member.