Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling sonde housing has a cavity for receiving a sonde. Signal channels extend from the cavity to an exterior of the housing. A polymer lines at least part of the cavity and fills the signal channels. The drilling tool has a bit body and a drilling body. The two bodies have respective lateral surfaces which engage each other to prevent the transverse movement of the drilling body relative to the bit body during operations. The drill bit has a forward extending drill tooth, which drill tooth is removable from a bore. A spacer is located in the bore between the bottom end of the bore and the tooth. The drilling bit has buttons located on the side in a spiral configuration about a longitudinal axis of the bit.

Abstract: A plastic hand-held measuring device, can measure the depth of a hole or bore or the length of a fixing, having particular application with composite aircraft components. A hook or tang, at the end of an elongate portion, can engage with the far end of the bore allowing the depth ascertained from a first measurement scale. A first formation can engage with a fixing, allowing measurement of the length of the fixing from a second measurement scale. A plastic slide can abut against a portion of the component to be measured and indicate the distance on the measurement scale that corresponds to the length of the dimension being measured. The slide may be arranged to engage with successive indexed formations along the length of the device, so that it is inclined to remain in a position corresponding to an indexed formation.

Abstract: Three-dimensional biomimetic tissue scaffolds, as well as methods of manufacture of these scaffolds. The method is fully customizable to create a biomimetic tissue scaffold with shapes, densities, and geometries similar or identical to the tissue it imitates. For example, physiologically realistic collagen/PEG villi created using the method are designed to have a high-aspect ratio and curvature similar to villi found in the human small intestine. Accordingly, the biomimetic tissue scaffolds serve as an improved in vitro model for a wide variety of physiological research, as well as pharmacological testing and drug, compound, and/or metabolite uptake by cells growing on the scaffold, among many other uses.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A molded article transfer device (150, 250) is described herein that is associated, in use, with an injection mold (100, 200). The molded article transfer device (150, 250) includes a transfer structure (151, 251) that defines, amongst other things, a first aperture (154A) that is structured to receive a first molded article (102A) from a first mold stack (106A, 206A) of the injection mold (100). The transfer structure (151, 251) also defines a first branch channel (156A) and a first trunk channel (158A) through which the first molded article (102A) is passable. The first branch channel (156A) connects the first aperture (154A) with the first trunk channel (158A) for passing, in use, the first molded article (102A) thereto, whereafter it passes through the first trunk channel (158A) towards an exit (164A) thereof.

Abstract: A transfer layer on a surface of a mold has a thickness distribution along the radius direction that the layer is thick in an inner round portion but is gradually thinner toward an outer round portion. An adhesive layer is formed between a surface of a signal substrate which bears a signal recording film and the mold which seats the transfer layer. The adhesive layer has a thickness distribution that the layer is thin in an inner round portion but is gradually thicker toward an outer round portion. Since the thickness distributions along the radius direction of the transfer layer and the adhesive layer are opposite to each other, the thickness distribution of an isolation layer which comprises the two layers is uniform.

Abstract: Molds for making cell aggregation devices include upper and lower surfaces. Methods of aggregating cells include depositing cells on in a seeding chamber, incubating the cells and removing aggregated cells. Devices for encapsulating aggregates of cells include biocompatible, bio-sustainable substrates compartments and a coating of a biocompatible, bio-sustainable polymer that completely surrounds the substrate and cell-encapsulating compartments.

Abstract: A device for separating and removing a rigid core when building a tire, including a slide table and positioning means which are provided on a support table of the separation/removal device. The slide table is slidable to convey the tire, whose inner surface is held by the rigid core body and a core holding mechanism, to a central position on the support table. An elevating device is provided on the central axis of the support table, and includes a clamping means to elevate the rigid core body and the tire from which the core holding mechanism is removed, to a position where the rigid core body and the tire do not interfere with the core holding mechanism. A pair of core separation/removal mechanisms are disposed below the center of the support table, capable of elevating movement, and radially contracting and removing each type of the segment groups.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for surface modification of catheters. The surface modification can be localized to a lumen surface of the catheter. The surface modification to the lumen surface extends radially into the catheter body a predetermined distance to provide a hardened zone having a hardness that is greater than a hardness of an exterior surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: A decorative wall tile mold for the in-situ production on a building, wherein the mold, which can be demolded twice, is a sheet with pierced work, comprises the following detachable lateral structures: an insider layer: a bottom film is set at the bottom surface thereof, the bottom film and the building have a first combinative force; an outer layer: a surface film is set on the exterior surface thereof, a self-adhesive glue section is set up between the inside layer and the outer layer, which makes the outer layer and the inside layer have a second combinative force, and the second combinative force is less than the first combinative force. A method for the in-situ production of decorative patterns on a building is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid includes providing a physical model of a native patient tissue. The physical model has at least one surface of interest. A constraining wall is placed in contact with at least a portion of the physical model. A moldable substance is placed into contact with at least a portion of the surface of interest. An impression of the surface of interest is maintained upon the moldable substance. The moldable substance is solidified into a patient-specific surgical aid. The patient-specific surgical aid is removed from the physical model. A system for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermochromatic earplug and a method for manufacturing the same, in which the color of the thermochromatic earplug is changeable according to the body temperature of a wearer, so that the health state of the wearer is able to be determined through the color of the thermochromatic earplug. The method for manufacturing the thermochromatic earplug includes (a) mixing an earplug raw material including urethane resin with a thermochromatic material, (b) molding and curing a mixture, which is obtained by mixing the earplug raw material with the thermochromatic material, into an earplug shape by pouring the mixture into a mold having a cavity with a shape corresponding to the earplug shape, and (c) demolding a resultant structure, which is obtained by molding and curing the mixture into the earplug shape, from the mold.

Abstract: Automated treatment operations for preparing the inner surface of a tire for patch application is provided. One exemplary method includes the steps of locating the tire on a tire support, identifying a target area for preparing that is located on the inner surface of the tire, scanning the target area so as to acquire data regarding the inner surface of the tire at the target area, determining a treatment path using the data regarding the inner surface of the tire, treating the inside of the tire by removing material using a treatment tool, and positioning the treatment tool along the treatment path during the treating step.

Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. A carrier mold comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and two or more prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end; wherein at least one prong is in partial contact with at least one other prong; wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity for producing a shaped tampon; wherein the inner cavity is structured to define or mirror the desired shape of the shaped tampon; and wherein the shaped tampon has a length and comprises various perimeters along its length. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: A tire tread extractor used in the manufacture of treads includes a frame, a first nip roller rotatably associated with the frame, and a second nip roller rotatably associated with the frame. The first and second nip rollers are adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially resident in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first and/or second nip rollers operates to impart rotational motion thereto. The frame is configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the mold while maintaining the first and second nip rollers in a spaced relation to the mold.

Abstract: A tire unloading apparatus for separating a cured tire from a toroidally shaped segmented core body configured to carry the cured tire includes a plurality of tire engaging paddle mechanisms positioned in a spaced apart circular array defining a cured tire receiving central opening, the cured tire mounted to a core body. The paddle mechanisms operatively move between a radially outward tire release position and a radially inward tire gripping position. The tire unloading apparatus further includes a core segment manipulating apparatus operative to move individual core segments from a radially outward tire supporting core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. A plurality of segment support arms forming a circular array below the tire receiving opening are in an operative location to support respective core body segments.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hairbrush (40), bristles (10) for use in a hairbrush, and method for the production of a hairbrush and such bristles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hairbrush, bristles for use in a hairbrush and a method of producing a hairbrush and such bristles.

Abstract: During the production of teat rubbers, in particular of teat rubbers containing a high percentage of silicone, pressure is applied when the teat rubber preforms are removed, the radial expansion of teat rubber areas being appropriately limited to a maximum value. Hence, the removal can be executed automatically and at a comparatively high temperature without irreversible damage being caused to the material. The removal process can be supported by an appropriate contact surface whose contour corresponds, at least partially, to the outer contour of the preform. Furthermore, an appropriate removal device is provided.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for making composites are provided. The method includes providing a nano-particulate-depletable material that includes a plurality of nano-particulates on or within a depletable material; positioning the nano-particulate-depletable material on or within a structural material; and depleting the depletable material such that the nano-particulates are selectively placed on or within the structural material. Depletion may include infusion of a resin into the structural material. The depletable material may be a polymeric foam, and the nano-particulates may be carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of automatically de-molding a tread from a mold is provided utilizing an automatic de-molding apparatus. The automatic de-molding device utilizes at least one anchor member that is inserted into the mold and automatically secures the tread to the de-molding apparatus wherein the mold is mechanically removed from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing a plurality of molded articles from respective molds each having an external molding surface oriented according to a mold axis (X), said molds (12) being arranged with their axis (X) parallel. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of jaws (4,6), each corresponding to a respective mold (12) and including a first jaw (4) and an opposed second jaw (6) which are moveable with respect to the respective mold (12) according to a first relative motion, between an open position wherein the jaws (4, 6) are spaced apart from the mold (;12) and a closed position wherein the jaws (4, 6) engage the mold (12), and a substantially axial second relative motion, wherein the pair of jaws (4,6) is slidably displaced along the mold axis (X) so as to remove it from the mold (12). The jaws (4, 6), for the first relative motion, are linearly moveable in parallel directions which are radial to the respective mold axis (X).

Abstract: An electromagnetically absorbing composition and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes steps of: a) 40 wt %-80 wt % of a fluid resin and 20 wt %-60 wt % of coffee grounds; b) mixing the fluid resin and the coffee grounds into homogeneous slurry through a mixing process; c) placing the slurry into a mold assembly; d) after curing and cooling, removing from the mold assembly the composition of a thickness of 0.5 mm-5.0 mm, with a reflection loss above 10 dB from 2 to 18 GHz.

Abstract: The ejector device of a molding machine includes: an ejector plate; an ejector drive means for driving the ejector plate in directions to approach towards and to withdraw from a platen; a plurality of rod insertion holes formed so as to pierce through the platen; and a plurality of ejector rods or a plurality of base rods which are base end portions of ejector rods that are inserted into the plurality of rod insertion holes so as to slide freely therein; and a plurality of magnetic rod fixing mechanisms capable of removably fixing the plurality of ejector rods to the ejector plate, or of removably fixing the plurality of detachable rods to the tip end portions of the base rods which are fixed to the ejector plate.

Abstract: A burden of exchanging ejector rods is reduced in an injection molding machine when exchanging rods during exchange of a die. A plurality of rod insertion holes are formed so as to pierce through a movable platen. A plurality of ejector rods are inserted into rod insertion holes so as to slide freely therein. An ejector plate is disposed at the rear side of the movable platen. In a plurality of the ejector rods, a plurality of base rods are inserted into rod insertion holes so as to slide freely therein. Their base end portions are fixed to the ejector plate. Detachable rods are removably stuck with magnetism to the base rods by first and second magnets.

Abstract: A laminate includes two substrates that are connected by means of a bonding layer, the bonding layer enabling a one-dimensional composite structure. This enables a purely inorganic compound of different materials and a significantly improved connection when using adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a crash pad for vehicles. In the method, a surface material is inserted into an upper mold. A base material of a liquefied resin is supplied through a loading aperture of a lower mold. A shape of a molded product of the crash pad including the surface material and the base material is maintained by combining the upper mold and the lower mold together and then cooling thereafter. The molded product is taken out from a mold after separating the upper mold from the lower mold.

Abstract: A method of automatically de-molding a tread from a mold is provided utilizing an automatic de-molding apparatus. The automatic de-molding device utilizes at least one anchor member that is inserted into the mold and automatically secures the tread to the de-molding apparatus wherein the mold is mechanically removed from the mold.

Abstract: A resin film containing a resin and from 0.01% by mass to 20% by mass, relative to the resin, of an organic acid satisfying (1) The organic acid comprises structure in which a polyalcohol bonds to a polycarboxylic acid via an ester bond, (2) The total number of the molecules of the polyalcohol and the polycarboxylic acid forming the organic acid is at least 3, and (3) The organic acid has at least one unsubstituted carboxylic acid derived from the polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a proppant is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first member comprising a manifold for channeling a plastic fluid to a cavity block, with the cavity block containing a plurality of semi-spherical cavities. The apparatus further includes a second member that comprises a movable plate for engaging with the first member, with the movable plate having an opening therein, and a core block positioned within the opening, with the core block containing a plurality of reciprocal semi-spherical cavities configured to engage the semi-spherical cavities of the cavity block so that a plurality of spheres are formed, with the core block further containing a plurality of arm cavities that link the plurality of spheres so that a star cluster (which links the proppants) is formed. A method of manufacturing proppants and a method of using the proppants is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive agent comprising a condensation resin having a structural unit obtained by polycondensing a polymerizable monomer containing a monomer (A) having 2 or more carboxyl groups and a monomer (B) having 2 or more amino groups, and meeting at least one of the following (1) and (2): (1) at least one selected from the group consisting of the monomer (A), an anhydride of the monomer (A), and the monomer (B) is liquid at 25° C.; and (2) the condensation resin has a polyoxyalkanediyl group.

Abstract: An injection mold and a cooperating molding system and method that allows for the parting line of a molded vehicle bumper fascia to be hidden within the wheel arch portion thereof. The invention contemplates two different mold designs for producing such a parting line: a double-lifter design and a collapsing slide core design. The bumper fascia remains in the cavity portion of the mold after molding due to the presence of undercuts in the mold cavity. A robotic part removal device is used to remove the molded bumper fascia from the mold cavity after mold opening. The part removal device is adapted to temporarily deform the bumper fascia in the wheel arch flange areas thereof to facilitate its removal from the cavity.

Abstract: A decoration layer of a laminated product includes first and second surfaces. The first surface is adapted to be engaged with a furnishing surface of a pattern transforming member. The first surface includes a decorating pattern determined by a decorating mold shape extended on the furnishing surface. The second surface is adapted to be engaged with a carrying layer. The decoration layer laminated with the carrying layer and the adhesive layer is adapted to embellish an object and includes the pattern transforming member separated therefrom, with the carrying layer disposed between the decorating layer and the adhesive layer, with the adhesive layer adhered to the object.

Abstract: Provided are tinted or tintable and clear films formed from liquid tint material, and methods of making and using the same. Such films are useful to application to substrates such as glass, specifically windows on vehicles, to reduce glare from the sun, reject heat, provide protection from UV rays, and create a unique or decorative look to the vehicle. The films dry into a smooth and clear thin film. The film-forming liquid tint materials comprise: an aqueous polymeric dispersion; a tinting agent dispersed in the aqueous polymeric dispersion; wherein upon contact with a substrate, the film-forming liquid tint material dries to a film that is clear and tintable. The tinting agents, in particular, photoactive components, can be encapsulated in a plurality of ORMOSIL nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an overmolding process and apparatus for overmolding nonlinear profiles from rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material. Rigid polymeric materials are melted and overmolded onto an extruded profile, which is received by a mold having a mold cavity and core pin. The mold cavity and core pin have a radial angle of curvature (Rc). In the overmolding process, rigid polymeric material is injected around the core pin and cavity, and the overmolded article is removed from the mold. The core pin is removed from the overmolded article to form a non-linear overmolded article according to the present process and arrangement of parts.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary press, comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis that has a die-plate and upper and lower rams which, while being guided vertically in guides of the rotor, interact with holes of dies in the die-plate wherein at least one compression station is provided and has an upper and a lower pressing roller past which the presser rams run along and by which they are moved towards the die-bore for the purpose of compacting the material in the die-hole, wherein the upper and lower rams are lifted subsequent to the compression procedure, causing the lower ram to eject a compact from the die and the compact to be stripped by a stripper in the direction of a discharge chute, characterized in that while an compact ejection procedure is under way the upper ram stands upright on top of the compact and is lifted therewith and the stripper seizes the compact laterally while the upper ram is still standing upright on top of the compact.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a solid cosmetic product, includes the steps of applying to a composition based on powder and fluid binder, introduced into a mould, a sheet of porous material having an average pore diameter ranging from 5 to 180 ?m; then passing at least some of the volatile solvent through the sheet; removing the volatile solvent that has passed through the sheet and drying the composition in order to solidify it before depositing it in a packaging. The solid product obtained according to this process and to its uses as a face and/or body makeup product are also described.

Abstract: An injection mold for molding a product which has a gap and an inserting groove at a side thereof includes a movable mold and a stationary mold. A fillister is designed in an inner sidewall of the inserting groove. The stationary mold includes an inclined pillar slantwise mounted in the stationary mold. The movable mold includes a movable core and a sliding mechanism which includes a sliding block, a preventing board and a sliding element. The preventing board is further inserted in the sliding block therein. The sliding block is parted from the product to form the gap, for assisting the sliding element to be parted from the product to form the inserting groove and the fillister under the drive of the inclined pillar and the inner end face of the sliding block acting on the other end of the sliding element, when the injection mold is opened.

Abstract: A porous membrane material comprising a porous membrane substrate coated with a thin, uniform coating of a different material. The membrane material can have high electrical conductivity. The membrane material can exhibit a very high ratio of electrical conductivity to thermal conductivity. The porous membrane substrate may be removed to form the membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an all-in-one type light guide plate. The method includes: fabricating a master including a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures; forming an elastic mold by applying an elastomer on the master; and fabricating the all-in-one type light guide plate, on which a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures are integrally formed, by applying a light transmissive material on the elastic mold.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: A self-replicating monolayer system employing polymerization of monomers or nanoparticle ensembles on a defined template provides synthesis of two-dimensional single molecule polymers. Systems of self-replicating monolayers are used as templates for growth of inorganic colloids. A preferred embodiment employs SAM-based replication, wherein an initial monolayer is patterned and used as a template for self-assembly of a second monolayer by molecular recognition. The second monolayer is polymerized in place and the monolayers are separated to form a replicate. Both may then function as templates for monolayer assemblies. A generic self-replicating monomer unit comprises a polymerizable moiety attached by methylene repeats to a recognition element and an ending unit that will not interfere with the chosen recognition chemistry. The recognition element is self-complementary, unless two replicating monomers with compatible cross-linking chemistry are employed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane. The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding technique.

Abstract: A process for production of a heat-resistant hollow article made of a polylactic acid containing resin by using a mold which includes a female mold portion having a concavity, a male mold portion having a convexity and a stripper plate having an edge-forming part. The surface of the mold facing the cavity is heated to a temperature corresponding to a crystallization temperature of the polylactic acid containing resin. The male mold portion and the stripper plate are moved away from the female mold portion when a temperature T(° C.) of the resin detected by an infrared temperature sensor is in the range of T=(t+3.5)±1.5 (t(° C.) is the surface temperature of the mold). Gas is introduced between an inner surface of the hollow article and the male mold portion, and the hollow article is taken out of the mold by advancing the stripper plate toward the hollow article.

Abstract: Toolings containing a composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 5 ppm/° C. are described. The composites contain a matrix material and a carbon nanotube material and are operable for forming a part thereon. Methods for forming such toolings and use of such toolings to form parts thereon are also described. The carbon nanotube material can be a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. Use of the carbon nanotube material in the tooling allows decreased curing and consolidation process times of the part to be realized.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing film member for laser-driven ion acceleration, a film target, and a method of manufacturing the same, so that only the film member exists at a laser focusing point on the film target, allowing repeated ion acceleration from the film member by focusing high power laser beams thereon. The method includes preparing a film member solution containing a film material to be used for laser-driven ion acceleration; forming a film member on a base substrate by using the film member solution; and separating the film member from the base substrate by dipping the base substrate having the film member formed thereon into a film parting solvent.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a polymer system including a shape memory polymer material and a graphene material.

Abstract: A method of forming a multi-layer graphene includes forming a stack of a graphitizing metal catalyst layer and graphene by repeatedly performing a cycle of first forming the graphitizing metal catalyst layer on a substrate, and then forming the graphene on the graphitizing metal catalyst layer, and removing the graphitizing metal catalyst layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing composite silica particles and hollow silica particles that can improve the utilization efficiency of a hydrophobic organic substance. It is a method for producing composite silica particles each of which is provided with an outer shell part having a mesoporous structure formed from a silica-containing component and which includes a hydrophobic organic substance in the interior of the aforementioned outer shell part, and involves adding an aqueous solvent to the hydrophobic organic substance and emulsifying, and forming the outer shell part having the mesoporous structure formed from the silica-containing component on the surface of an emulsified oil droplet of the aforementioned hydrophobic organic substance.