Abstract: A three-dimensional printer for generating a printed component, includes a build substrate defining a surface that supports the printed component and a heated nozzle including a nozzle body. The heated nozzle is configured to deposit a build material upon either the build substrate or the printed component. The three-dimensional printer also includes a heated plate including one or more heating elements and a main body that defines an opening for receiving the nozzle body of the heated nozzle. The one or more heating elements are configured to heat at least a portion of the heated plate to a predefined temperature, where a volume of hot air is created between the heated plate and the printed component when the heated plate is heated to the predefined temperature.

Abstract: A molten material supplying apparatus includes: a first introduction unit introducing fiber material; a melting unit melting a thermoplastic resin into a molten material; a first flow path in which the molten material and the fiber material are distributed; and a nozzle communicating with the first flow path to feed a composite of the molten material and the fiber material. The melting unit includes: a facing section in which a communication hole communicating with the first flow path is formed, the facing section having a heater, and a flat screw which has a groove at a position facing the facing section, the flat screw being rotated to melt the thermoplastic resin into the molten material and supply the molten material into the communication hole. The first introduction unit introduces the fiber material into at least one of the communication hole and the first flow path.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part using a 3D printing machine. The method includes forming the part by depositing consecutive part layers each including rows of filaments made of a part material from the machine, where depositing each part layer includes non-sequentially depositing one set of a plurality of filaments so that a gap is formed between the filaments and then depositing any number of additional sets of filaments so that each adjacent pair of filaments in each additional set of filaments are non-sequentially deposited.

Abstract: Device and method for dispersing solids, liquids and gases in an extruder, having at least one shaft (1) and one housing (2), wherein at least one disk (4) with recesses is attached to the shaft, which at least one disk co-rotates with the shaft, and a non-co-rotating disk (3) is arranged immediately adjacent to the disk either in a product flow direction or counter to the product flow direction, which non-co-rotating disk likewise has recesses, and wherein the co-rotating disk is connected to the rotating shaft and has a gap (14) with respect to the housing, and the non-co-rotating disk is connected to the housing and has a gap (15) with respect to the rotating core shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing a silicone surfactant intercalated clay and a polymer-clay nanocomposite. The processes use silicone surfactants having a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 100,000 Dalton to achieve fully exfoliating clay structures. Using these macromolecular silicone surfactants, along with the engineered control of the processing pH and drying stress conditions, this invention provides simple and low-cost methods of making a fully-exfoliated polymer-clay nanocomposite.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition is based on at least a diene elastomer, an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler and a monohydroxysilane polysulfide as coupling agent of formula (I): (HO)(R1)2Si—CH2—(R2)CH—Z—Sx—Z—HC(R2)—CH2—Si(R1)2(OH) (I), in which: each R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and can be the same or different from one another; each R2 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and can be the same or different from one another; each Z represents a divalent hydrocarbon bonding group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms can be the same or different from one another; and x is an integral or fractional number greater than or equal to 2.

Abstract: Provided are: a rubber composition for tires that achieves a balanced improvement in handling stability, crack resistance, ozone resistance, discoloration resistance, tire appearance, fuel economy, tensile strength, and scorch resistance; and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition.

Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the process comprising: charging a reactor with an olefinic copolymer rubber, where the olefinic copolymer rubber is characterized by a multimodal molecular weight, an average branching index of greater than 0.8, includes less than 10 parts by weight oil per 100 parts by weight rubber, includes less than 1 parts by weight non-rubber particulate, per 100 parts by weight rubber, and is in the form of granules having a particle size less than 8 mm; charging the reactor, contemporaneously or sequentially with respect to the rubber, with a thermoplastic resin, an oil, and a cure system; melt mixing the rubber, the thermoplastic resin, the oil, and the cure system; and dynamically vulcanizing the rubber.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood chamber for an optical blood monitoring system includes an opaque chamber body in order to prevent inaccuracies when measuring oxygen saturation levels due to light ducting, which can occur at low oxygen saturation levels and low hematocrit levels. In one embodiment, the blood chamber need not include a moat as is present in conventional blood chambers.

Abstract: The generally up and down movement of a reaction mass is converted into rotary motion which is used to drive a rotary hydraulic spring comprised of a rotary hydraulic pump motor and an accumulator to produce a “spring” function. The invention is particularly applicable to wave energy converters (WECs) having a reaction mass which needs to be coupled to a spring to ensure its oscillation and to cause it to be centered about its center of travel. The linear up-down motion of a reaction mass may be converted via a linear-to-rotary translator to rotary motion to drive a rotary hydraulic pump/motor so as to provide spring action to the reaction mass and ensure its oscillation and proper positioning.

Abstract: A plasticizing screw for injection molding according to the present invention is installed in an injection molding machine that performs injection molding by plasticizing thermoplastic resin feedstock containing reinforcement fibers, and includes a shaft, a main flight, and a sub-flight. The protrusion height of the main flight from the circumferential surface of the shaft is formed to be constant in at least an area in which the sub-flight is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing defect-critical articles from a molding resin comprising at least 98% clear polymer and additives including a heat stabilizer and a UV blocker in an injection molding machine. According to the apparatus, there is provided an injection molding machine in combination with a molding resin. The injection molding machine's resin delivery assembly is made from a powder metallurgy formed into solid non-coated parts having a Chromium-Vanadium (Cr/V) blend. As the molding resin interacts with the resin delivery assembly, the resin only contacts the solid non-coated parts whereby the resin experiences less degradation and provides improved quality for the defect-critical articles. The method includes the steps of plasticizing, injecting, and cooling. During the plasticizing and injecting steps, the molding resin only contacts solid non-coated parts made from a powder metallurgy material containing a Chromium-Vanadium (Cr/V) blend thereby producing reduced defect articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon fiber composite material comprising an elastomer and a carbon nanofiber dispersed in the elastomer, wherein the elastomer has an unsaturated bond or a group, having affinity to the carbon nanofiber. Also disclosed is a process for producing the carbon fiber composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic liquid comprising an anion and a cation wherein the cation is a primary, secondary or tertiary ammonium ion containing a protonated nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for viscosity breaking of a polypropylene polymer, a polypropylene copolymer or a polypropylene polymer blend, which process comprises adding a chain transfer agent and an initiator to a polypropylene polymer, polypropylene copolymer or polypropylene polymer blend and heating the resultant composition. The chain transfer agent has a Cs value of greater than or equal to about 0.04 as measured in ethylene polymerization at 130° C. The initiator is for example an organic or inorganic peroxide, a carbon based radical generator, a bis azo compound, a stable nitroxyl compound, a sterically hindered NO-acyl compound or a sterically hindered alkoxyamine compound.

Abstract: A flow through cartridge for solid phase extraction of an analyte from a liquid has a cartridge body bounding a passage for retaining a sorbent. The passage extends from a first end face to a second end face, opposite the first end face of the cartridge body. The cartridge body is composed of a core of a first material extending around the passage and sealing rings of a second material, extending around an axis of the passage at the first and second end faces. Surface portions of the sealing rings constituting surface portions of the first and second end faces. The first material is stronger and stiffer than the second material.

Abstract: Single screw extruder for making a dryer bar.

Abstract: A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.

Abstract: An isostatic pressing method for applying silicon powder as an original raw material for silicon crystal growth includes pressing silicon powder having a particle size of 0.1 to 1,000 micrometers into a silicon brick employing cold or hot isostatic pressing to provide a pressed silicon brick; and charging the pressed silicon brick into a furnace for silicon crystal growth. The furnace for silicon crystal growth may be a mono-crystal furnace for growing monocrystalline silicon or a multi-crystal furnace for growing polycrystalline silicon.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.

Abstract: A method and plant for the introduction of a liquid into a molten mass under pressure. Such a method and plant are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for the formation of a coating layer on a cable element having at least one conductor, the layer having an extruded thermoplastic polymer forming a continuous phase incorporating a dielectric liquid, and are useful, for example, in the production of an electric cable for the transportation and/or distribution of electrical power. The method includes the steps of bringing the liquid to a predetermined pressure greater than the pressure of the molten mass; feeding the liquid into a plurality of storage tanks, and injecting the liquid into the molten mass at an injection pressure equal to the above-mentioned predetermined pressure by means of a plurality of injectors in respective fluid communication with the plurality of storage tanks.

Abstract: Processes for producing blends of a first polymer component and a second polymer component are provided. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are blended in an internally agitated mixer such as a devolatizer in the presence of at least one solvent. Blending the polymers in this manner results in an intimate mixing of the first and second polymers, providing beneficial performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the first polymer incorporates at least 75 wt. % of propylene-derived units wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99% and wherein the first polymer has a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g. In this embodiment, the second polymer is selected from polypropylenes, low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyesters.

Abstract: Process for improving the brilliance of color and the stability of a colored polymer system, which is composed of a matrix and of discrete polymer particles distributed in accordance with a defined spatial lattice structure in the matrix, and which is obtained by filming of an emulsion polymer with core/shell structure, which comprises using an emulsion polymer obtainable by polymerizing monomers in at least one first stage (core monomers), then polymerizing monomers in at least one further, second stage (transition stage), and finally polymerizing monomers in a third stage (shell monomers), where, based on the percentage constitution of the monomer mixtures of the three stages, at most 30% by weight of the monomers of the first stage are identical with those of the third stage, and 5% of the monomers of the second stage are identical with, respectively, those of the first and those of the third stage, and not more than 60% by weight of the monomers of the 2nd stage here are monomers absent in the 1st sta

Abstract: A method for producing a high quality aromatic polycarbonate, which comprises subjecting to molten state polymerization a mixture of an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diaryl carbonate in the presence of a catalyst, the mixture of the aromatic dihydroxy compound and the diaryl carbonate being obtained by a mixing step in which an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a catalyst, each being in a solid state and/or a liquid state, are added to a diaryl carbonate in a molten state in the presence of an inert gas, thereby dissolving the aromatic dihydroxy compound and the catalyst in the molten diaryl carbonate.

Abstract: A method for producing microfine fibers having low resistance to deformation and high elasticity in accordance with the present invention comprises acts of: (a) providing polymer A and polymer B; (b) melting polymer A and polymer B to make a filament; (c) drawn the filament to make a staple fiber; (d) entangling the staple fiber to form a non-woven; (e) impregnating the non-woven with a impregnating agent; and may further comprise the acts of (f) using polyurethane impregnating the nonwoven with the impregnating agent or without the impregnating agent; (g) coagulating the non-woven with dimethylformamide (DMF); (h) washing the non-woven with hot water; (i) impregnating the non-woven with a treatment agent; (j) abrading the non-woven to attain a split type mirofine fiber substrate; and (k) bonding a coating to the microfine fiber substrate. Therefore, the method can attain an artificial leather product having low resistance to deformation and high elasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion method and to an extrudable metal polymer composite having increased density, improved viscoelastic properties, malleability and ductility and thermoplastic extrusion or injection molding properties.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of magnetic tip of tape measure comprising: first step which is preparing a conducting magnet material which is still not magnetized; second step which is setting said conducting magnet material into a die; third step which is casting a form material to produce a tip of tape measure structure and making said form material to combine with said conducting magnet material; fourth step which is magnetizing said conducting magnet material and manufacturing a magnetic tip of tape measure.

Abstract: Catalysts for experimentation are produced having a controlled matrix pore structure. The manufacturing process utilizes tape casting in the drying procedure in which a catalyst slurry is cast on a substrate and dried at a temperature of between about 50° C. to 200° C. for a period of time of about 0.1 to 1.0 hour. The dried catalyst particles can be removed from the substrate by several techniques, including scraping, burning, and deforming the substrate material. The resulting catalytic particles can be produced in an amount of about ca. 3g to 300g from slurries with volumes between 5 cc to 500 cc, which are suitable for small scale FCC reactors and for high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A method produces adhesive closure parts, where a partial segment of the surface of a support element (10) is provided with adhesive closure elements (3) which stand out from its plane by applying a plastic material that forms adhesive closure elements on the support element (1). The adhesive closure elements (3) are formed without any forming tools, at least in a given area, by depositing the plastic material in successively delivered droplets using an applicator (9).

Abstract: A method forms adhesive closing parts from a plastic material. To produce at least one adhesive closing element (3) without a form tool in at least one partial area, the plastic material is deposited in the form of drops. The drops are successively delivered by at least one application device (9). The locations of the deposition of the drops are selected in a three-dimensional manner in view of the form of the adhesive closing elements (3) to be produced.

Abstract: A nanoimprint mold includes a substrate having at least one substantially non-transferable feature and at least one transferable feature defined at different portions thereon. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a molding compound resin tablet for wavelength conversion. The method comprises the steps of wet-dispersing a phosphor powder in a translucent liquid resin to form a molding compound resin body in which the phosphor powder is dispersed, and grinding the molding compound resin body into a powder form and applying a predetermined pressure to the resin powder. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing a white light emitting diode using the molding compound resin tablet by a transfer molding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continually producing a suspension of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide. The method includes (a) mixing cellulose and an amine oxide-free aqueous phase to form a cellulose suspension in a mass ratio in the range of 1:3 to 1:40, (b) dehydrating the cellulose suspension, wherein the dehydrated cellulose suspension has a cellulose content in the range of 20 to 80 percent-by-mass; (c) mixing the cellulose suspension with an aqueous amine oxide while the cellulose suspension is falling through a vertical fall zone to obtain an aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension with an amine oxide content in the range of 70 to 80 percent-by-mass; and (d) conveying the aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension through a horizontal shear zone. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new dispersion stabilizer that satisfies, at a high level, the performances required for a dispersion stabilizer used for suspension polymerization. A method of producing a dispersion stabilizer that is useable for suspension polymerization of a vinyl compound and contains a vinyl alcohol polymer (A) includes producing the vinyl alcohol polymer (A) by heat-treating a vinyl alcohol polymer (B) at a temperature of 90 to 180° C. for 0.5 to 20 hours in an atmosphere in which an oxygen concentration is 8000 ppm or lower. The vinyl alcohol polymer (B) has a saponification degree of at least 60 mol % and contains a residual acetic acid group whose block character is in the range of 0.3 to 0.6.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic film having improved characteristics, which consists in nebulizing on the faces, in the region downstream of the extruder, at least one “active substance” or a mixture of “active substances”, utilizing the various states of aggregation of the product generated by the temperature distribution. These substances modify the structure of the film, in particular its surface structure, by bonding and penetrating to a depth which is a function of the temperature, of the material of the film and of the type of substance used.

Abstract: A variety of hollow structures with unique morphologies were manufactured with a rotational spinning technique. Phase separation of soluble solutions or emulsions was induced within a filled mold as it was being rotated about one of its axis. The density difference between phases results in sediment at the inner lumen of the mold under centrifugal forces. After or during sedimentation, gelation of the phase-separated particles fixes the hollow structure morphology and the solvent remains in the center of the mold. The solvent is removed from the mold resulting in a coating or tube. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. This technique offers a new approach to the manufacture of polymeric tubes. It requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and can result in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: The wall thickness of lipid microtubules are controlled by selecting a methanol/water system and determining the required amount of a lipid to form the desired wall thickness. The lipid is dissolved in a small portion of the heated methanol and that clear solution is added to the remaining amount of the heated methanol/water system. By slowly cooling the solution, microtubules are formed which have the desired wall thickness. Preferred microtubules have a wall thickness of just 2 bilayers and they are robust so they can be further coated. They can be made with a large aspect ratio and with lengths of greater than 250 microns. The process permits production of microtubules in very high yields.

Abstract: A method of making a composite article of a graphite-filled polymer mixture that is robust during high shear mixing and compounding, and that exhibits relatively low electrical resistivity after molding. The mixture is formed by shear mixing a liquid polymeric material, graphitized carbon fibers having diameters of less than one micrometer, and glass fibers longer than the carbon fibers. The carbon and glass fibers constitute up to about 25 volume percent and up to about 50 weight percent, respectively, of the mixture, though the addition of as little as about 1 weight percent of the glass fibers has been shown to dramatically reduce resistivity. The mixture is then introduced into a mold so that the glass fibers are substantially oriented parallel to the direction of flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending a substantially rigid substrate (22) having first and second portions (28, 30) interconnected by a bend region (32). The apparatus comprises first and second heated die members (60, 80). The first heated die member (60) has a longitudinal body portion (62) and an outer edge portion (64) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (62) and is substantially rounded. The second heated die member (80) has a longitudinal body portion (82) and a groove (84) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (82). The first and second heated die members (60, 80) are configured to contact the substrate (22) and are capable of bending the substrate (22) in the bend region (32) when the outer edge portion (64) of the first heated die member (60) slides into the groove (84) of the second heated die member (80). There is also a method for bending the substantially rigid substrate (22).

Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises an inflatable volume and an expandable figurine that is attached to the inflatable volume such that the figurine is stretched as the volume is inflated. The expandable figurine assumes a first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is in a deflated state, and assumes a second predetermined shape representing a distortion of the first predetermined shape when the inflatable volume is substantially inflated. The figurine can be removably attached to an outer surface of the inflatable volume. The figurine can comprise a body portion having multiple limbs, such that the limbs are attached to the inflatable volume outer surface and are pulled away from the figurine body portion as the volume is inflated.

Abstract: Moulding apparatus is disclosed which comprises transfer element (12) which has a holding cavity (14) therein for receiving a charge of mouldable material. Mouldable material in particulate or molten form is fed into a heated passage (30) by a feed spiral (40) in a tube (36). A plunger (42) displaces molten mouldable material along the passage (30) and into the holding cavity (14). The transfer element (12) is then displaced to a position in which the holding cavity (14) is aligned with an opening (18) in a backing plate (16). The opening (18) is in communication with a mould cavity (20) having the shape of the article to be produced. A second plunger (46) displaces the charge of molten mouldable material from the holding cavity (14) through the opening (18) and into the mould cavity.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition of the present invention comprises (A) urethaneacrylate oligomer, (B) acrylate based monomer, (C) photoinitiator; (D) silicon additive, and (E) silica matting agent. The present invention provides a surface treatment composition in which imparts abrasion and scratch resistance to the surface of a soft type urethaneacrylate oligomer decorative floor covering, and ameliorates the problem of low stain resistance caused a low density of elaborate crosslinks by using a small amount of single functional group monomer. The present invention also provides a surface treatment composition in which employs only hard type urethaneacrylate without single functional group monomer so that cross linking density is increased and the effects of oxygen that prohibits the surface curing are minimized, resulting in improved stain resistance.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of a granular delivery system particularly useful for the controlled release of flavoring or perfuming ingredients. The process includes the steps of forming a concentrated, highly viscous emulsion of the active compound to be encapsulated, blending the latter with a hydrophilic polymer in an extruder and shaping it into a granular free flowing solid at usual storage temperatures. The process of the invention is particularly appropriate for the encapsulation of volatile molecules as it avoids any dehydration step before or after extrusion.

Abstract: To produce filled thermoplastic polymers starting from a waste thermoplastic base material, the base thermoplastic material is fed into a container (1) provided with a device for mixing and stirring (2,3) in which the base thermoplastic material is softened, the required filler is fed into said device and stirring is continued to thoroughly blend filler and softened material, subsequently collecting the softened and filled material from said container and subjecting it to an extrusion or other densification step.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing elastomer compounds for use in the production of rubbers. At least one elastomer to be processed for the production of an elastomer mixture can be slowly added to a mixer/extruder and is mixed and plasticized and/or masticated (melted) while it passes through the mixer/extruder. The elastomer, when slowly added to the mixer/extruder, can be present in a fluid medium in an evenly distributed form.