Abstract: A flexible armor system includes a rigid panel of a stiffness calculated to resist penetration by a known ballistic object, made from multiple layers of Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly-Ethylene fibers or other high tenacity fibers, which is then pre-flexed beyond its elastic bending limit to create a distributed pattern of surface buckling, with localized areas of interior delamination, which together function as bending or hinge lines to provide flexibility to the otherwise rigid panel and thereby lower its overall stiffness to less than that calculated for the rigid panel to resist the ballistic object. The areas of delamination have a width of less than one half the diameter of the ballistic object.

Abstract: A method of producing a bent rod includes impregnating fibers (1) with resin (2), introducing the impregnated fibers into a flexible plastic tube (3), bringing the flexible plastic tube to a desired bent form and crosslinking the resin with the fibers to produce the rod with the desired bent shape. The flexible plastic tube is formed from a material that has a very low friction coefficient and the flexible plastic tube remains in its position after the crosslinking to permit sliding movement of the bent rod relative to an adjacent structure.

Abstract: A method of forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This method can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.

Abstract: A flexible tube comprises a tubular body made of a curable flexible material, having at least an elbow shape, and made by a double curing, the first on a straight mandrel, and the second on a shaped cylindric core, to provide the tube with a desired configuration. With respect to the conventional art in this field, the invention provides the advantage that the shaped tube made thereby is directly provided, at the end portion thereof, with the required fittings, without the need of performing auxiliary processing steps to clamp the fittings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotorcraft blade (1) provided with a distributed spar (10) on a leading edge (4), a suction side (2), and a pressure side (3) of the blade, and the invention also relates to a method of fabricating such a spar. The blade is provided with a fastener insert (20) integrated in the blade root for the purpose of fastening the blade to a rotor, the fastener insert (20) comprising a horizontal shaft (21) perpendicular to the span of the blade and to an axis of rotation of said rotor, with the distributed spar (10) of the blade being wound in part about the horizontal shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a modified arteriotomy closure plug, the modification consisting of subjecting a bioabsorbable foam closure plug to radial compression and/or axial bending until at least some struts of the foam have been torn or elongated within at least one axially disposed region.

Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: Decorated three-dimensional articles (64, 78, 82, 86) may be produced having wall structure (66-72) with distortion-free images (40a, 40b) appearing through the inner and outer surfaces of the wall structure (66-72). Preferably, a sheet of paper stock (38) is imprinted on both faces with mirror images (40a, 40b), and the stock (38) is applied to a light-transmitting substrate (44) so that the image (40b) appears through the substrate (44), thereby yielding a blank (50). A plurality of lines of weakness (54) are formed in the blank (50) by laser ablation extending through the image (40a) and stock (38), but not through the image (40b), in order to define spaced apart bend areas (56). The substrate (44) is then heated along the bend areas (56), and the blank (50) is formed about a mandrel (62). If desired, the formed blank (50) may be completed by addition of a base (74).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a fastening element for absorbent sanitary products having first and second parts that are symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, each part including a base branch connectable to the first part, and a distal branch connectable to the second part. The base branch and the distal branch are connected together according to a general book-like configuration. A dorsal part of the book-like configuration for connection between the base and the distal branches is set at a distance from said intermediate plane, the base branch connects the two parts to form a single body, each of which can connect mutually facing edges of the end parts of an absorbent sanitary product and to ensure the fastening of the flaps set on the sides. The fastening element can enable releasing and refastening the product and/or adjusting the fit of the product to the wearer's body.

Abstract: Biomimetic stimuli-responsive surfaces and articles of manufacture, together with methods of fabrication and related methods of use.

Abstract: A process for forming curved thermoplastic composite material. According to an illustrative embodiment, the process includes providing a length of straight thermoplastic material; pre-forming the length of straight thermoplastic material into a selected cross-sectional configuration; pressing the length of the straight thermoplastic material; and imparting a curved shape to the length of straight thermoplastic material by providing a curved section and passing the length of straight thermoplastic material through the curved section of a process assembly.

Abstract: A process is provided for bending a board in synthetic material filled with more than 20% by weight of alumina trihydrate in a methyl methacrylate matrix: a section of the board is heated so that it can be bent; the section to be bent is bent while holding the convex upper surface of the board such that it does not become elongated. Also provided are a device for implementing such a process, and a bent board obtained by such a process.

Abstract: A one-piece container closure with a collar, stiff planar triangular leaflets attached by linear hinges to the collar, and thin flexible foldable webs attached to and extending between the leaflets. The leaflets are flat with the webs folded beneath in closed closure position. The leaflets are pivoted upwardly with webs unfolded therebetween in open position. An integral cap is attached to the collar by a snap-action bow-tie hinge. A central pin on the cap seals with the leaflets when the cap is closed. The closure is integrally molded in open position with raised leaflets and unfolded webs, leaflets then being lowered and the webs folded to closed position while the closure is still warm, the cap then being closed, and the closed closure then being annealed to establish the elastic positional memory of the leaflets and hinges in the closed position when product is not being dispensed through the closure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing elongate variably shaped bodies at least partially comprising thermoplastic material a profile is extruded from an extrusion system head and engaged in a flexible conduit created by cavities formed inside a series of calibration plates attached flexibly together. The calibration plates slide freely over a rotating mold to adopt the shape of the mold's outer contour. The profile is driven through the flexible conduit and winded around the rotating mould like coils. In an embodiment of the apparatus and method, the profile is winded around a size-variable mould creating three-dimensional objects in real time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extruding curved extruded profiles. The extruded profile is formed in a matrix mounted upstream in a counter beam of an extruder system and is subsequently curved or bent due to the effect of external forces and separated, supported and arranged into partial lengths in the extrusion flow by means of a separating robot connected to a higher control mechanism and is discharged to a storage area with the aid of a handling robot. The handling robot is coupled to the separating robot by means of the control mechanism and, like the separating robot, is moved into a starting position in front of the extrusion press.

Abstract: A method of modifying compressive strains in formation of a pipe ring groove (16), in which a differential temperature profile is established across the pipe wall in a narrow bending locus (l3) corresponding to the ring groove position, and the material is bent to form the ring groove. The temperature differential creates a differential in elastic modulus between the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe material, modifying the strain induced in inner concave and outer convex surfaces of the ring groove during the bending step.

Abstract: A process for forming linear, thermoplastic weatherseals into a bend position is provided which avoids buckling of the thinner surfaces of the weatherseal material. The process involves the use of a support insert which supports the thinner surfaces during the bending operation, and thus assists in preventing the deformation of the thinner weatherseal surfaces. The support is preferable constructed of a material which is unaffected by temperatures higher than the heat-deformation temperature used to set the weatherseal material into a bent configuration, and thus, the support insert retains its linear shape when removed from the bending press, and therefore, can be reused. An improved process for manufacturing bent thermoplastic weatherseal material results.

Abstract: A process is provided for bending a board in synthetic material filled with more than 20% by weight of alumina trihydrate in a methyl methacrylate matrix: a section of the board is heated so that it can be bent; the section to be bent is bent while holding the convex upper surface of the board such that it does not become elongated. Also provided are a device for implementing such a process, and a bent board obtained by such a process.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing wallboard which includes providing a first layer of facing material, creasing the first layer facing material intermittently to create a series of creased portions, providing a gypsum slurry on the first layer of facing material and providing a second layer of facing material over the gypsum slurry. Further, creasing the first layer of facing material intermittently can include intermittently creasing the first layer of facing material in a substantially linear fashion extending in a first direction of the first layer of facing material so that the first layer of facing material exhibits a linear series of creased portions extending in the first direction of the first layer of facing material and a series of portions that are not creased extending in the first direction of the first layer of facing material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, a system includes an insulated fabric that is used to grasp and bend a heated elongate member. The elongated member is heated to its glass transition temperature (Tg) using a heating element. The insulated fabric may be lined with a non-stick coating to prevent adhesion of the heated elongate member to the insulated fabric. In another form, a PEEK rod is heated using a sheath. The inner surface of the sheath is lined with Teflon to prevent adhesion as stated above. The sheath includes a plurality of semi-rigid coils to assist in bending the rod and to prevent the rod from being crushed during the bending process. The heating element may be included in the semi-rigid coils in this form.

Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: A method of pre-applying a bolster assembly to an interior trim part includes the steps of applying a base skin layer to a groove of a first nest, applying a bolster skin layer to a second nest, positioning the first nest in an open position, and inserting a leading edge of a bolster skin layer in the groove of the first nest when the first nest is in the open position until the bolster skin layer engages the base skin layer. The bolster assembly can be attached to the interior trim part by a Foam-In-Place (FIP) or Low-Pressure Molding (LPM) operation. The interior trim part may comprise a dashboard garnish, an instrument panel (IP), a door panel, and the like. A boss locating portion can be integrally formed within the base skin layer and is used for locating the bolster assembly on the interior trim piece during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a window having at least one of a radio wave stealth property and an electromagnetic wave shield property comprising: a step for forming a thin-film composed of a conductive material on the surface of a transparent window member having a curved surface, and a step for forming the thin-film into a mesh shape. As a result, it is, possible to manufacture, at lower cost, a window having a radio wave stealth property that scatters radio waves in various directions so as not to be detected by radar, while transparency to visible light is improved, as well as a window having an electromagnetic wave shield property that effectively prevents harmful electromagnetic waves, except for visible radiation, from invasion into an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a programmed shape memory polymer, which assumes a first temporary shape and at least two additional stored thermally activatable shapes, namely at least one second temporary shape and a permanent shape, with the steps of: (a) providing a shape memory polymer which has at least two switching segments (A, B), which through phase segregation each form a switching phase having each a corresponding transition temperature (TtransA, TtransB), (b) deforming the shape memory polymer into a shape corresponding to the first temporary shape at a temperature above the upper transition temperature (TtransA), and (c) cooling to a temperature below the lower transition temperature (TtransB) by fixing the first temporary shape. The method of the invention provides a one-step programming method for a triple-shape plastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting the stop flange on a tamper-indicating closure, from an axially outwardly oriented position as molded to an axially inwardly oriented position for use, includes a support base for supporting the closure such that the stop flange as molded is spaced from and oriented away from the support base. A pedestal is movably carried by the support base at a position spaced from the support base. A locator ring is carried by the pedestal and movable with the pedestal to engage the stop flange on a closure carried by the support base and to bend the stop flange radially inwardly. An inversion ring moves through the locator ring to engage and invert the stop flange that is bent radially inwardly by the locator ring.

Abstract: A twisted resin panel includes resin material that has been heated and twisted after being subject to heat and/or pressure. In one implementation, a manufacturer can clamp opposing ends of a resin panel, such as a panel comprising a one or more layers thermoformed together. The manufacturer can then elevate the resin panel, and twist at least one end of the resin panel to achieve a desired aesthetic. Upper securing means (e.g., vertical clamps, rig hardware) at the upper end of the resin panel can be configured to move up or down during the twist of the resin panel in order to accommodate length variations thereof. Upon twisting, the resin panel will then cool into the desired position, and thus be used for any number of decorative architectural purposes. Implementations of the invention further include means to mount a twisted panel to upper and lower support surfaces.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polarizing laminate which is resistant to impact, has the high polarization degree, hardly causes a solvent crack, and hardly causes a fine crack even when perforation-processed, for example, goggles, sunglasses, prescription sunglasses, and shields which are resistant to impact, have higher stability, and can effectively prevent glare. There is provided a polarizing laminate comprising two protective sheets having approximately the same thickness, and a polarizer sheet held by them, wherein a protective sheet and a polarizer sheet are adhered, the protective sheet is any of a polyamide-based resin sheet, and a polyurethane-based resin sheet, and the laminate has the function as an optical lens.

Abstract: A method of forming a support beam is provided. One exemplary method of forming a support beam includes supporting a C-shaped charge upon a first forming tool and placing an additional composite charge upon at least a portion of the C-shaped charge and a second forming tool proximate the first forming tool. The method of forming a support beam further includes positioning a fixed forming tool proximate a first portion of the additional charge and bending the additional charge about the forming tool.

Abstract: A process for molding a plastic object with at least one stationary part and at least one appendage connected to the stationary part via a hinge is provided. The process uses a molding tool having a turnable middle section to mold the object. The turnable middle section rotates, the appendage is moved from an open position to a closed position, and the object is ejected from the molding tool.

Abstract: A deformable sandwich panel is disclosed according to one embodiment. The deformable sandwich panel may include first and second face sheets. These face sheets may each comprise a first and second surface and be substantially flat. The deformable sandwich panel also includes a shape memory material sandwiched between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The shape memory material may be in continuous contact with a substantial portion of the first surface of the first face sheet and with a substantial portion of the first surface of the second face sheet. The deformable sandwich panel may be fabricated with a first shape, deformed into a second shape and then deployed back to the first shape. The first and second shapes may be maintained without mechanical loads.

Abstract: A production apparatus for bending a multi-channel tube having an outer tube and a partition partitioning an interior of the outer tube into two or more channel holes is provided with a bending mold configured to bend the multi-channel tube in a bend radius; a pressure mold configured to press the multi-channel tube toward the bending mold; a chuck portion configured to hold and draw the multi-channel tube along the bending mold; and mandrels respectively inserted into the channel holes, each of the mandrels including; a mandrel body configured to support inner surfaces of each channel hole; a support device rotatably and movably supporting the mandrel body.

Abstract: A technique for allowing the convenient and orderly withdrawal of contents is disclosed. An apparatus according to the technique may include a container which includes an enhancement at the rim of the container. The enhancement provides the functionality to move edible and/or inedible substances onto objects. In one example, the enhancement may protrude inwardly as a smoothed surface that may push substances onto objects as the objects are removed from the container.

Abstract: A one-piece container closure with a collar, leaflets hingedly attached to the collar, and thin flexible foldable webs attached to and extending between the leaflets. The leaflets are flat with the webs folded beneath in closed closure position. The leaflets are pivoted upwardly with webs unfolded therebetween in open position. An integral cap is attached to the collar by a snap-action bow-tie hinge. A central pin on the cap seals with the leaflets when the cap is closed. The closure is integrally molded in open position with raised leaflets and unfolded webs, leaflets then being lowered and the webs folded to closed position while the closure is still warm.

Abstract: A method of forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This method can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.

Abstract: A tool for imparting a plurality of folds to a balloon comprises a housing, which defines a passage therethrough. The passage has a longitudinal axis and a first opening at a first end of the passage, and a second opening at a second end of the passage. The passage has an inner surface, which defines a plurality of peaks and valleys, wherein the height of each peak is greater at the first end of the passage than at the second end of the passage and the height of each valley is greater at the first end of the passage than at the second end of the passage.

Abstract: A filter element has a fold pack having sides. A lateral strip at least partially surrounds the sides of the fold pack. The lateral strip is made of thermally deformable lateral strip material. At least one guide section projects laterally from the filter element and is made from the thermally deformable lateral strip material. In a method for producing such a filter element, a fold pack is at least partially secured with a lateral strip made of a thermally deformable lateral strip material and the lateral strip material is then thermally deformed to a guide section that projects laterally from the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage article, such as a retail and/or shipping package, having an environmentally friendly pliable composite structure that has a high degree of pliability and flexibility and is highly attractive in look and feel. The pliable composite structure has a base layer and a ground calcium carbonate-containing layer covering the base layer. The base layer and ground calcium carbonate-containing layer are shaped, sized and manufactured such that the pliable composite structure formed therefrom is sufficiently pliable and flexible to form the storage article.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotorcraft blade (1) provided with a distributed spar (10) on a leading edge (4), a suction side (2), and a pressure side (3) of the blade, and the invention also relates to a method of fabricating such a spar. The blade is provided with a fastener insert (20) integrated in the blade root for the purpose of fastening the blade to a rotor, the fastener insert (20) comprising a horizontal shaft (21) perpendicular to the span of the blade and to an axis of rotation of said rotor, with the distributed spar (10) of the blade being wound in part about the horizontal shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laterally movable lifting arm and follower which may be mounted adjacent a mold. The lifting arm is movable from a cap engaging position wherein it initially moves the cap away from the mold into the path of the follower. The cap is initially moved across the lid by lateral movement of the lifting arm. The follower is subsequently passed across the cap to lockingly engage the closure.

Abstract: As shown in FIGS. 3 through 7, the first step within the manufacturing process is to mold an elongate body 20 having a relatively straight structure when compared to the final manipulated ski structure. The elongate body 20 is preferably comprised of a resilient and flexible material such as but not limited to ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene (plastic). It can be appreciated that various other types of resilient and flexible materials may be utilized to construct the elongate body 20. Furthermore, the elongate body 20 may be created utilizing various molding processes such as but not limited to injection molding. Once the elongate body 20 has solidified, the elongate body 20 is removed from the respective mold by various conventional removal means.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of multilayer gypsum board, and a gypsum additive delivery system, including wet gypsum board passing through a board forming station in which additives are delivered to one or more layers of a multi layered gypsum board panels, such as engineered polymers, providing a better and more water resistance surface. Preferably, the gypsum board has a first layer of a mixture of set gypsum having an outer surface and a polymeric compound or wax emulsion additive entrained therein and impregnated in a thin sheet of randomly aligned inorganic fibers to essentially encase the core gypsum within two facing layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.

Abstract: A structure consisting of a sheet of foamed material having a first side and a second side, at least one sheet of reinforcing material having a first side and a second side, the first side of the sheet of reinforcing material being attached to the first side of the sheet of foamed material, the tensile strength and stiffness of the sheet of reinforcing material being greater parallel to the plane of the sheet of reinforcing material than the compressive strength and stiffness of the sheet of foamed material parallel to the plane of the sheet of foamed material, the structure being deformed so that the second side of the sheet of reinforcing material is in tension and the second side of the sheet of foamed material is in compression. A method consisting of the step of bending such a structure so that the second side of the sheet of reinforcing material is in tension and the second side of the sheet of foamed material is in compression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming catheters and catheter curves using ferromagnetic materials exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Heat is generated in the exposed ferromagnetic material. The temperature of the ferromagnetic material is allowed to reach a desired temperature, preferably the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material containing portion. The heat generated is transferred to a catheter, wherein the catheter can be selectively formed or assembled and bonded at the desired elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling dimensional relations between an original pattern present in a mold and a recorded pattern formed in a layer of a substrate. In this manner, the size of the recorded pattern may appear to be magnified and/or reduced, when compared to the original pattern. To that end, the method comprises defining a region on the layer in which to produce the recorded pattern. The substrate is bent to produce a contoured surface in the region. Dimensional variations in the original pattern are produced by bending the mold, defining a varied pattern. The contoured surface and the mold are provided to have similar radii of curvatures. The varied pattern is then recorded in the layer. These and other embodiments of the present invention are discussed more fully below.

Abstract: A method for connecting a member includes the steps of providing a member to be connected having a flange at an end to be connected with a bucklingly deformable synthetic resin member having an overhanging portion which overhangs the flange. A synthetic resin member is selected from the group a polystyrene, a styrene copolymer, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polymethyl methacrylate, a polyamide, a polyacetal, a polyethylene terephthalate, a fluorocarbon resin and a thermoplastic polyurethane. The overhanging portion of the synthetic resin member is disposed over the flange of the member to be connected with the tip of the overhanging portion being bucklingly deformed toward the member to be connected to the extent that stress rupture does not occur. The flange is locked by the bucklingly deformed tip of the overhanging portion.

Abstract: A solid-stranding method and apparatus for forming optical cables. Solid-stranding combines buffering and stranding operations, as well as performs the stranding operation while the flextubes are still hot so that they adhere together without additional binders. Optical fibers and/or wires are supplied to an extruder which forms flextubes around individual ones or groups of the optical fibers and/or wires. A central element may be supplied to, and go through, the center of the extruder. A rotating pulling device, such as a caterpillar, helically or in an SZ-manner solid-strands the flextubes around the central element—or solid-strands the flextubes to themselves when no central element is present—as the flextubes cool down. That is, solid-stranding includes buffering and stranding operations that are performed together without a water cooling stage therebetween. Thus, the flextubes adhere together, and may adhere to the central member, thereby forming a solid-stranded composite core.