Abstract: Mold assemblies used for curing non-pneumatic tires include a mold section and curing shoe assemblies supported on the mold section. The curing shoe assemblies include a first actuation member supported on the mold section in radially-offset alignment with a mold axis. A second actuation member is supported for axial displacement relative to the first actuation member. First and second curing shoes are spaced laterally from the first and second actuation members. The first and second curing shoes are operatively connected to the first and second actuation members such that movement of the first and second actuation members toward one another displaces the first and second curing shoes laterally away from one another. In some cases, movement of the first and second actuation members away from one another displaces the first and second curing shoes laterally toward one another. Methods of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a lithium secondary battery, the method including injecting a composition for a gel polymer electrolyte into a lithium secondary battery case having an electrode assembly including a metal electrode current collector and then sealing the same, placing the lithium secondary battery case inside a fixing member having an electromagnetic field generation means, and heating the metal electrode current collector using the electromagnetic field generation means, to heat-cure the composition for a gel polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for thermally processing a part includes a table formed of a thermally conductive material and a table inductive heating circuit thermally coupled to the table. The table inductive heating circuit comprising a plurality of table induction coil circuits electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Each table induction coil circuit includes a table electrical conductor and a table smart susceptor having a Curie temperature. First and second table induction coil circuits have pairs of segments positioned adjacent each other that are configured to carry current in opposite directions. In some examples, the table induction coil circuits have partially nested, rectilinear hook shapes. In other examples, the table induction coil circuits overlap each other at rhombus-shaped turns.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cover layer for a vehicle interior component includes forming a mold cavity via a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from one another by a distance. The first surface is configured to form a show surface of the cover layer, the second surface is configured to form a rear surface of the cover layer, and the distance is less than or equal to 1 mm. The method of manufacturing the cover layer also includes heating the first surface and/or the second surface, and flowing liquid polyvinyl chloride into the mold cavity to form the cover layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a molten raw material for three-dimensional printing, in which a solid raw material is heated to obtain the molten raw material. The solid raw material is heated to a molten state by electromagnetic induction outside the output end of the guiding device to form a molten segment. The molten segment is supported by the solid raw material and is not in contact with other structures after being in contact with the printed object and/or the support platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of injection-moulded, reinforced moulded parts, the fibre orientation of which is specifically adjusted on a local basis. Via suitable, dynamically controlled supplementary heating in the wall of the injection mould which is used (variotherm heatable channel), a local cavity region is hereby heated at the time of injection to a temperature in the region of or above the solidification temperature (in any case above the crystallisation temperature in the case of partially crystalline plastic materials or above the glass transition temperature in the case of amorphous plastic materials) of the polymer (plastic material moulding compound).

Abstract: A method and device for pre-heating a first molding surface of a mold with an open position and a closed position defining a closed cavity between the first pre-heated molding surface and a second molding surface. A core is inductively heated outside the mold by placing the core inside a coil having an AC current passing there through. The core is inserted between the molding surfaces of the mold in the open position. The first molding surface is preheated by transferring the heat between the core and the first molding surface. The core is then removed and the mold is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a stiffened thermoplastic panel is presented. The method may comprise placing a number of forming tools within a number of concave areas of a thermoplastic preform. The method may also place the thermoplastic preform with the number of forming tools within the number of concave areas on a thermoplastic lay-up to form a workpiece. The method may also position the workpiece within a tool. The tool may have a number of die liners configured to generate heat in response to a magnetic field. The method may also consolidate the workpiece to form the stiffened thermoplastic panel. Consolidating may comprise applying a magnetic field to the number of die liners to heat the workpiece to a consolidation temperature.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding system includes a mold having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a mold cavity, which is configured in a shape of a part to be formed. A source of plastic, having a known heat deflection temperature, is injected into the mold cavity. At least one infrared heat source is disposed adjacent the mold. The at least one heat source is moveable between a first position disposed away from the interior surface of the mold and a second position where the at least one heat source is in communication with the mold cavity surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one heat source and is configured to heat the mold cavity surface to a predetermined temperature below the heat deflection temperature of the plastic resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for fabricating solar-grade high purity polycrystalline silicon compacts. Silicon compacts are fabricating by loading polycrystalline silicon powders into a mold without addition of binders in a vacuum atmosphere, and pressurizing and heating the polycrystalline silicon powders. Heating method includes a high-frequency induction heating type, an Ohmic heating type, and a high current supply type.

Abstract: A composite part layup is cured using a set of tools adapted to hold the layup and which include at least one tool face contacting the layup. Means are provided for heating the tool face to cure the part layup, and for selectively cooling sections of the tool face.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: One embodiment of a heated nozzle for extruding meltable material consists of an electrically conductive nozzle, comprised of an inlet, an outlet, and a passage connecting inlet and outlet. The nozzle fits into a hole or gap cut or formed through a loop of high permeability soft magnetic material such as ferrite or pressed iron powder. Electrically conductive wire is coiled around and through this magnetic loop to form a coil. A high-frequency alternating current is supplied to the coil, inducing a magnetic field in the magnetic core. The magnetic field, when passing through the electrically conductive nozzle, induces eddy currents that heat the nozzle to melt the material entering the inlet.

Abstract: Thermoplastic pellitized materials are melted in gravity flow through coaxially oriented perforated cylindrical metal susceptors. The susceptors are equally energized by the interception of a common magnetic field formed by a high frequency powered inductor coil.

Abstract: In a molding machine, an electrical current is caused to flow to a coil by a high-frequency power supply, and a magnetic field is generated, whereupon lines of magnetic force are generated so as to substantially conform to cavity faces of the stationary mold and the moveable mold. The magnetic field strength is constant with respect to position in the lengthwise direction of the coil, and eddy currents are generated uniformly with respect to the cavity faces. Because the molds have electrical resistance, Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents and electrical resistance, and the cavity faces are heated. When a material in a molten state is injected into the cavities of the heated molds, flowability of the material is promoted, and therefore the quality of the molded article is improved.

Abstract: The invention discloses an injection molding method for manufacture of a metal-resin composite member; wherein the resin composition used in the method includes a plurality of metal particles having one or more metal melting points between about 200° C. and 400° C.; the resin composition is heated to a temperature higher than the resin melting point and higher than one or more metal melting points to provide a heated resin composition; and wherein injecting the heated resin into a mold results in contact of the heated resin with one or more disposed heated metal member(s) to provide a composite member.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a thermoplastic resin product includes a heating apparatus which conducts heating by radiation of infrared rays by using a light source; a stamper which is radiation heated by infrared rays radiated from the light source; a cooling member which cools the stamper by contacting the stamper which is radiation heated; a first mold which holds the stamper and/or the cooling member in a movable manner, thereby enabling the stamper and the cooling member to be in contact with or remote from with each other; and a second mold which holds a thermoplastic resin to which a structure of a shape-forming surface of the stamper is transferred. The stamper is radiation heated at least in the state where it is remote from the cooling member.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molding device which can heat molding portions of dies by a simple structure while guaranteeing the durability of the molding portions of the dies, and a method of molding a product using the molding device are provided. A molding device 100 includes a first die 110 and a second die 120 for molding a product PR to be molded. The first die 110 and the second die 120 have a first molding portion 111 and a second molding portion 121 formed at central portions of the surfaces which face each other. Each of the first molding portion 111 and the second molding portion 121 has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the surface shape of the product PR. Thermal/electrical insulators 113 and 124 are provided around the first molding portion 111 and the second molding portion 121 of the first die 110 and the second die 120.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sealing fluidic component based on a capillary enclosing a fluid conduit and having an exterior surface being at least partially coated with a coating of a meltable material, wherein the method comprises melting the meltable material of the coating at least at an end portion of the capillary, and resolidifying the melted material to thereby form, at the end portion, a sealing integral with the coating and constituted at least partially by the meltable material.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a thermal control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a molding surface-heating apparatus, eddy current is generated in a mold by an electromagnetic induction, and a molding surface of the mold is heated by the eddy current. The molding surface-heating apparatus is provided with a conductive member and a coil. The conductive member is electrically connected to and disconnected from a surface of the mold. The coil supplies a magnetic flux to the conductive member and the mold such that the magnetic flux generates the eddy current that crosses the conductive member and the mold and the eddy current passes through the molding surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method consisting in: inserting the coating (6) into a shaping and injection-molding mold (14); closing the mold (14) such that the coating (6) is shaped against a shaping surface (22) of the mold (14) as the mold (14) is closed; and, subsequently, overmolding the substrate (4) by injecting a plastic material into the mold (14). According to one aspect of the invention, the shaping surface (22) is induction-heated in order to thermoform the coating (6) as the mold (14) is closed, by generating induced currents that propagate along the shaping surface (22), and the induction heating is stopped in order to set the plastic material.

Abstract: An induction-heated mold, including at least one lower portion and one upper portion defining a cavity inside of which a molding material is to be brought to a temperature Ttr greater than 20° C., which is introduced and then shaped, at least one of the mold portions having an area for transferring heat with the molding material, the heat transfer area including at least one sub-area consisting of at least one ferromagnetic material the Curie point Tc of which is between 20 and 800° C. and which is in contact with the molding material and/or with a non-ferromagnetic coating having a thermal conductivity greater than 30 W.m?1.K?1. A method for manufacturing a plastic or composite material product via of the molds according to the invention.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a tool comprises applying at least one ferro-magnetic material to at least a portion of a tool face of a different material. The method produces a tool face with varying magnetic properties facilitating substantially uniform induction heating of the tool face.

Abstract: A method of shortening cycle time required to compression mold shingle or tile is provided, wherein carrier plates are comprised of a surface material and a base, and receive a thermoplastic material, thereon. The roofing material is applied to the carrier plate and the carrier plate is subjected to induction heating, by which its surface material has its temperature raised, without substantially raising the temperature of the carrier plate base, such that the thermoplastic material applied thereto is kept heated in the compression mold. Cooling of the thermoplastic material is by heat transfer from the carrier plate surface material to the carrier plate base, and with both materials having good heat conduction capability. The carrier plate surface material has a high receptivity to being heated by induction heating relative the carrier plate base. The carrier plates are serially delivered through the process, to the compression mold.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment method to form a composite part from a metallic composite powder, comprises positioning a metallic composite powder preform in a mold cavity formed by a first susceptor and a second susceptor, heating the mold cavity to a first processing temperature, applying a pressure to the mold cavity, and applying a thermal oscillation cycle to the mold cavity, wherein the thermal oscillation cycle oscillates the temperature of the mold cavity between a first temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a first phase and a second temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a second phase, different from the first phase.

Abstract: In a molding machine, an electrical current is caused to flow to a coil by a high-frequency power supply, and a magnetic field is generated, whereupon lines of magnetic force are generated so as to substantially conform to cavity faces of the stationary mold and the moveable mold. The magnetic field strength is constant with respect to position in the lengthwise direction of the coil, and eddy currents are generated uniformly with respect to the cavity faces. Because the molds have electrical resistance, Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents and electrical resistance, and the cavity faces are heated. When a material in a molten state is injected into the cavities of the heated molds, flowability of the material is promoted, and therefore the quality of the molded article is improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for manufacturing a silicon substrate for solar cells using continuous casting, which can improve quality, productivity and energy conversion efficiency of the silicon substrate. The apparatus includes a crucible unit configured to receive raw silicon and having a discharge port, a heating unit provided to an outer wall and an external bottom surface of the crucible unit and heating the crucible unit to form molten silicon, a casting unit casting the molten silicon into a silicon substrate, a cooling unit rapidly cooling the silicon substrate, and a transfer unit disposed at one end of the cooling unit and transferring the silicon substrate. The casting unit includes a casting unit body having a casting space defined therein to be horizontally connected to the discharge port, and an assistant heating mechanism that preheats the casting unit body to control a solidification temperature of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Rapid sintering techniques for densifying zirconium dioxide based ceramic materials employing electromagnetic induction heating or inductive coupled plasma, reducing processing time from hours to minutes. In one embodiment a water-cooled coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply. The coil surrounds a susceptor body which in turn surrounds the ceramic to be sintered. The susceptor heats up in response to a magnetic field emanating from the coil as the coil receives electric power. The heat in turn is radiated from the susceptor and heats the ceramic. In another embodiment, the coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply of sufficiently high frequency and power to establish a plasma in the gas which surrounds the ceramic. The plasma then heats the ceramic. The method is especially useful for sintering ceramic dental appliances, in minutes which can lead to in situ fabrication of such appliances while a dental patient waits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molding die and a control method thereof aimed at shortening cycle time from heating to cooling of a molding cavity of the die with a simple and inexpensive configuration. In a molding die equipped with a molding cavity to mold a base material, a magnetic die material is used for the molding cavity, cooling means to feed a refrigerant is installed inside the molding cavity along a molding face and heating means by high-frequency induction is installed around the cooling means, and the molding cavity is alternately heated and cooled repeatedly by the heating means and the cooling means when the base material is molded with the molding cavity. Here, the cooling means includes a tubular body installed in the molding cavity, feeds a refrigerant when the molding cavity is cooled, and is in a hollow state of not containing the refrigerant when the molding cavity is heated.

Abstract: Injection molding, parts onto a carrier web (34) located between mold halves (18,20). Flow of polymer melt into the mold is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Molding apparatus comprises a moving mold face (20), that can move toward and away from a first mold member (18) (which can be stationary) in which the mold cavity is located, a means (24,25,26,30,32) for moving and/or indexing carrier web between the first mold member and the moving mold face, means (16) to inject polymer melt into the mold cavity, and an ultrasonic system (42) providing ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. The carrier web can transport molded parts to subsequent process steps, such as coating, drying, inspection, curing, assembly or packaging.

Abstract: A pitch densification apparatus may be used to form a carbon-carbon composite material. In some examples, the apparatus is configured to pitch densify a material using one or more of a plurality of different pitch densification techniques. For example, the apparatus may densify a material with a selectable one of the resin transfer molding cycle, the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding cycle, and/or the vacuum pressure infiltration cycle. The apparatus may respond to initial or changing properties of a material to be densified. In some additional examples, the apparatus includes a mold configured to receive a preform and a portion of solid pitch separate from the preform. The apparatus may include a heating source thermally coupled to the mold that is configured to heat the solid pitch above a melting temperature of the solid pitch. The apparatus may melt the pitch without external pitch melting equipment.

Abstract: A rapid hot press (RHP) method and system in which heat is supplied by RF induction to rapidly consolidate a material is described. Use of RF induction heating enables rapid heating and consolidation of powdered materials over a wide temperature range. Details of an exemplary system, instrumentation and performance using a thermoelectric material as an example are disclosed. The novel technique may be applied to any known sinterable materials. Notable applicable materials include thermoelectric materials, such as PbTe. An exemplary thermoelectric PbTe material may be pressed at an optimized temperature and time according to the technique to be consolidated under typical parameters and yield suitable properties of Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal diffusivity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for molding of thermoplastic matrix composite materials or thermosetting materials. Two mold casings that are mobile relative to each other, electrically conductive material include a molding zone designed to be in contact with the material to be transformed, and an induction circuit for generating a magnetic field. The faces of one of the two mold casings are situated so as to be facing induction circuit, except for the molding zones, being coated with a shielding layer made of a non-magnetic material preventing the magnetic field from penetrating into the mold casings. The mold casings are electrically insulated from each other during the molding phase to define an air gap wherein flows the magnetic field that induces currents at the surface of the molding zones, thus localizing the heating at the interface between the molding zone and the material to be transformed.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a thermal control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection mold having pre-heating device, the pre-heating device, and method for pre-heating injection mold are provided. The pre-heating device includes a high frequency coil member and a transportation device having a Z axle servo motor, a Z axle linear sliding rail, an annular transportation belt and a lifting rack. The annular transportation belt is driven by the Z axle servo motor. The high frequency coil member is hung on the lifting rack. The lifting rack is moveably connected to the Z axle linear sliding rail, coupled to the annular transportation belt and is driven by the annular transportation belt to perform an ascent or descent movement along the Z axle linear sliding rail.

Abstract: A heating device for the transformation of a material, includes: a lower mold element or matrix, made of an electrically conductive material and having a molding zone for contacting with the material to be transformed; an upper element that lacks a molding zone, made of an electrically conductive material; inductor elements for generating a magnetic field that envelops the matrix and the upper element, with the matrix and the element being electrically insulated from one another during the induction heating phase so that the surfaces opposite these two elements delimit an air gap in which the magnetic field that induces currents circulates at the surface of the molding zone of the matrix, thus making it possible to localize the action of the inductors at the interface of the molding zone/material to be transformed; and deformable pressure element, arranged between the matrix and the upper element, able to exert uniform pressure on the material to be transformed.

Abstract: A system for forming a composite structure comprises an electromagnetic press including an upper die, a lower die and an electromagnet. The lower die may be mounted in spaced relation to the upper die for receiving a composite layup therebetween. The electromagnet is energizable such that the upper and lower dies apply a compressive force to the composite layup.

Abstract: The device for thermoforming a sheet has two molds. The first mold includes a movable plug support plate and heated plugs projecting from the plug support plate, which plugs are spaced a predetermined distance apart. A plurality of induction coils is arranged stationary in an area of the device adjacent to the plug support plate, and the plug support plate has an induction element of inductively heatable material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for heating a surface by induction, in particular for molding or transforming a part made of thermoplastic or thermosetting composite material. The device comprises a body having at least one portion made of magnetic and heating conducting material wherein is provided a plurality of closed cavities proximate the surface to be heated, each cavity surrounding a field winding. The heat produced by induction on the walls of the cavity is transferred by conduction to the heating surface. The distance between the cavities and the position of said cavities relative to the heating surface are such that the heating is substantially uniform on said surface.

Abstract: A method of minimizing compression set of foam includes introducing a composition including a first component and a second component that is reactive with the first component into a cavity of a mold, curing the composition to form a foam inside the cavity, demolding the foam, and heating the foam by induction after demolding to thereby minimize compression set of the foam. A method includes introducing the composition into the cavity, heating the mold via conduction of the mold to thereby cure the composition and form the foam inside the cavity, heating the foam by induction before demolding to thereby minimize compression set of the foam, and demolding the foam. The foam includes a reaction product of the first and second components. The foam has a compression set after heat aging of ?10% at 10 minutes after the foam is demolded from the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: Injection molding, parts onto a carrier web (34) located between mold halves (18,20). Flow of polymer melt into the mold is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Molding apparatus comprises a moving mold face (20), that can move toward and away from a first mold member (18) (which can be stationary) in which the mold cavity is located, a means (24,25,26,30,32) for moving and/or indexing carrier web between the first mold member and the moving mold face, means (16) to inject polymer melt into the mold cavity, and an ultrasonic system (42) providing ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. The carrier web can transport molded parts to subsequent process steps, such as coating, drying, inspection, curing, assembly or packaging.

Abstract: The present method of forming a groove in an inner surface of a member for covering an airbag includes the steps of heating a blade by use of an induction-heating device and pushing the blade against the inner surface of the member. The induction-heating device is preferably a coil for induction heating. In addition, the present method of forming the groove preferably includes the steps of placing the member on a work bench having the coil, supplying alternating current to the coil, bringing the blade close to the coil, pushing the blade against the inner surface of the member, stopping current supply to the coil, and pulling the blade away from the inner surface of the member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-purity niobium monoxide powder (NbO) produced by a process of combining a mixture of higher niobium oxides and niobium metal powder or granules; heating and reacting the compacted mixture under controlled atmosphere to achieve temperature greater than about 1945° C., at which temperature the NbO is liquid; solidifying the liquid NbO to form a body of material; and fragmenting the body to form NbO particles suitable for application as capacitor anodes. The NbO product is unusually pure in composition and crystallography, and can be used for capacitors and for other electronic applications. The method of production of the NbO is robust, does not require high-purity feedstock, and can reclaim value from waste streams associated with the processing of NbO electronic components. The method of production also can be used to make high-purity NbO2 and mixtures of niobium metal/niobium monoxide and niobium monoxide/niobium dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a method of manufacturing a patterned resin sheet, capable of implementing efficient and highly precise patterning. The method includes: pressing a perimeter portion of a roller against a surface of a resin sheet with the perimeter portion heated with a laser beam, by using a patterning member that includes a roller rotatable around an axis and has a patterning portion patterned in a recessed and projected geometry on the perimeter portion of the roller, thereby forming on the surface of the resin sheet a pattern that is oriented inversely to the recessed and projected geometry of the patterning portion; and rotating the roller to bring a portion pressed by the perimeter portion into motion, such that the pattern is continuously formed on the surface of the resin sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding polymeric materials is provided. The apparatus and method both utilize ferromagnetic materials in association with the polymeric materials to be bonded together. The polymeric materials, and the ferromagnetic material, are placed within a magnetic field, which causes hysterisis losses in the magnetic field, and thus elevation in the temperature of both the ferromagnetic material and the polymeric materials to the point where the polymeric materials melt and fuse together. The ferromagnetic materials only rise in temperature to their Curie temperatures, at which point the hysterisis losses cease, and the polymeric material stops being heated. Removing the electromagnetic field allows for cooling and fusing. An interface composition may also be placed between the two polymeric materials to be bonded.