Abstract: Method for manufacturing fine hollow protruding tool by: bringing a projecting mold part with a heating means into contact from one surface side of a base sheet including a thermoplastic resin, and, while heat-softening the contact section, inserting the projecting mold part into the base sheet, to form a protrusion protruding from the other surface side; and, after a cooling step, withdrawing the projecting mold part from the interior of the protrusion, forming the fine hollow protruding tool. In the protrusion forming step, the protrusion is formed by using a first warp-suppressing means that suppresses warping of the base sheet when the projecting mold part is inserted into the base sheet. In the release step, the fine hollow protruding tool is formed by using a second warp-suppressing means that suppresses warping of the base sheet when the projecting mold part is withdrawn from the interior of the protrusion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an article comprises the steps of: applying a layer that consists of particles to a target area; allowing, in a chamber, energy to act on a selected portion of the layer, according to a cross-section of the article, so that the particles in the selected portion are bonded, and repeating the steps of applying and allowing energy to act for a plurality of layers so that the bonded portions of the adjacent layers are bonded to form the article, at least part of the particles comprising a fusible polymer. The fusible polymer has a fusion range (DSC, differential scanning calorimetry; 2nd heating at a heating rate of 5 K/min.) of ?20° C. to ?100° C. The fusible polymer further has a complex viscosity \?*\ (determined by viscosity measurement in the melt using a plate-plate oscillating viscometer according to ISO 6721-10 at 100° C. and a shear rate of 1/s) of ?10 Pas to ?1000000 Pas. Finally, the temperature inside the chamber is ?50° C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microscopic features on a film layer are disclosed. An example method includes using a surface of a tool to contact a thermoplastic film coupled to an outer surface of a structure. The surface of the tool defines a first microscopic pattern. The example method also includes heating the thermoplastic film by moving the surface of the tool on the thermoplastic film to create friction between the tool and the thermoplastic film and urging the heated thermoplastic film into the first microscopic pattern of the surface of the tool to form a second microscopic pattern in the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for contactless induction of high-frequency vibrations in a volume of molten metal during the manufacturing of a metal component or a metal matrix composite component. The system includes a moveably arranged electromagnetic primary coil, adjustment means for adjusting the position of the primary coil, and a control unit for controlling the position of the primary coil to a predefined distance above, but not in contact with, an upper free surface of the molten metal. The molten metal may be contained in a foundry crucible during manufacturing. The system can be used as an additive manufacturing system, with the primary coil arranged above the melt pool. A secondary low-frequency electromagnetic coil may be arranged around and at a distance from the molten metal to induce flow and/or vibrations in the molten metal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for molding composite articles are disclosed. The method generally involves the saturation of reinforcing fibers (e.g. glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc.) with a matrix (e.g. resin, epoxy, cyanate ester, vinyl ester, polyester, etc.) in/on a mold using a conventional resin transfer molding (“RTM”) process (e.g. “RTM-light”) or a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (“VARTM”) process (e.g. advanced VARTM or “A-VARTM”), and, once saturation is completed, the vibration of the matrix-infused fibers using controlled ultrasonic sound waves transmitted through the mold. By vibrating the matrix-infused fibers with the ultrasonic sound waves, the method and apparatus allow voids present between fibers to be closed and localized pockets of gases to be dislodged and degassed, and also allow the fibers to compact, thereby producing composite articles with reduced porosity and higher compaction.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. The shaving aid material, which is optionally distributed in the cavity in a series of layers, is ultrasonically compressed into the cavity such that it at least partially fills at least one of the holes in the skin-engaging surface and at least a portion of the cavity. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed. A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use.

Abstract: The method comprises the step of forming pipes (12) by clamping a bag between shells (13, 14) and by injecting an inflating agent via an inflating connector. The circuit comprises a bag (126) and a press (10) comprising two shells (13, 14) clamping said bag in a state in which pipes (12) are formed between the films (25, 26) of the bag.

Abstract: A molten metal processing device including a molten metal containment structure for reception and transport of molten metal along a longitudinal length thereof. The device further includes a cooling unit for the containment structure including a cooling channel for passage of a liquid medium therein, and an ultrasonic probe disposed in relation to the cooling channel such that ultrasonic waves are coupled through the liquid medium in the cooling channel and through the molten metal containment structure into the molten metal.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.

Abstract: Method for producing a nanocomposite material reinforced by unidirectionally oriented pre-dispersed alumina nanofibers. The process is suited for industrial-scale production of the nanocomposite materials. The nanocomposite production process involves, synthesis of unidirectionally oriented pre-dispersed alumina nanofibers, casting a mat of pre-dispersed nanofibers with a predetermined orientation in the atmosphere of air or other gas(es) by saturating the nanofibers with liquid polymer matrix. Polymer matrix may include thermosets or/and thermoplastics. The material forming the polymer matrix may be heated to its melting point temperature to transform it to liquid phase. After saturation, the polymer matrix is hardened by lowering its temperature or by means of exposing the polymer matrix to UV radiation, electron beam and/or chemical hardeners. The nanomaterial is composed of polymer composite with homogeneously dispersed uniformly oriented reinforcing nanofibers.

Abstract: A 5D printer, which additively manufactures an object, includes an extruder that can move linearly along three orthogonal axes and rotationally around at least one of the axes with respect to the object while depositing a material. A gantry is movable along X, Y and Z axes, and a trunnion table movable about A and B axes is mounted on the gantry. A platen is mounted on the trunnion table, and the extruder deposits the material on the platen while moving the gantry and trunnion table. A model of the object is analyzed to produce a stress tensor for the object, and the depositing is according, to the stress tensor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for molding composite articles are disclosed. The method generally involves the saturation of reinforcing fibers (e.g. glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc.) with a matrix (e.g. resin, epoxy, cyanate ester, vinyl ester, polyester, etc.) in/on a mold using a conventional resin transfer molding (“RTM”) process (e.g. “RTM-light”) or a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (“VARTM”) process (e.g. advanced VARTM or “A-VARTM”), and, once saturation is completed, the vibration of the matrix-infused fibers using controlled ultrasonic sound waves transmitted through the mold. By vibrating the matrix-infused fibers with the ultrasonic sound waves, the method and apparatus allow voids present between fibers to be closed and localized pockets of gases to be dislodged and degassed, and also allow the fibers to compact, thereby producing composite articles with reduced porosity and higher compaction.

Abstract: Thicker electrodes are provided on microelectronic device using thermo-compression bonding. A thin-film electrical conducting layer forms electrical conduits and bulk depositing provides an electrode layer on the thin-film electrical conducting layer. An insulating polymer layer encapsulates the electrically thin-film electrical conducting layer and the electrode layer. Some of the insulating layer is removed to expose the electrode layer.

Abstract: An aluminum electrolytic tank anode carbon block characterized by edges of top surface carbon block are provided with chamfers, a row or two rows of carbon bowls are uniformly distributed on the top surface. Each row of carbon bowls are longitudinally arranged along the anode carbon block and consist of 3 to 5 carbon bowls. Grooves are formed among the carbon bowls, the bottom of the anode carbon block is provided with trenches, and the bottom of each groove is provided, with through holes which are in communication with the trenches. The preparation method includes: preparing the carbon block by using a vibration mold or compression mold with corresponding bumps by a vibration molding method or a compression molding method; and roasting and then cutting out the trenches. The anode carbon block has the characteristics of a simple and convenient preparation process, high working efficiency and the like.

Abstract: A process, product, and product by process related to sonic welding, for quickly, compressing, shaping, and decarboxylating cannabinoids; preferably from Cannabis; for oral ingestion without using any liquids or solvents; such process breaks down the Cannabis plant's cellulosic structure; increasing oil extraction; while compaction decreases transportation and storage costs, making the end product desirable as an additional ingredient in other edibles.

Abstract: A cold press and a method for the production of green compacts for diamond-containing tool segments includes a tool matrix, a top ram and a bottom ram assigned to a matrix adapter from opposite directions for the purpose of compressing sinterable metal powder and diamond granules after both of these materials have been fed to the matrix adapter. Step-by-step build-up of the green compact is carried out in such a manner that after one layer of metal powder and one layer of diamond granulate have been charged, these layers are together compressed.

Abstract: A process, product, and product by process related to sonic welding, for quickly, compressing, shaping, and decarboxylating cannabinoids; preferably from Cannabis ; for oral ingestion without using any liquids or solvents; such process breaks down the Cannabis plant's cellulosic structure; increasing oil extraction; while compaction decreases transportation and storage costs, making the end product desirable as an additional ingredient in other edibles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a single cover layer of heterogeneous composition. One embodiment of the invention describes a method wherein a core, comprising one or more layers, has pre-molded hemispherical cover cups placed about the core and each cover cup has at least two layers of distinct resinous materials, and the cover cups are heated and compressed such that the resinous materials in the cover cups intermingle with each other to form a single heterogeneous cover layer.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.

Abstract: Injection molding parts onto a carrier web located between mold halves, each mold half having a cavity, resulting in molded articles having parts on both sides of the carrier web. Polymer flow into the cavities is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Articles produced include lenses with part of the carrier web between lens halves, and a carrier web bearing an array of molded parts.

Abstract: Tubular ceramic structures of non-circular cross section, e.g., anode components of tubular fuel cells of non-circular cross section, are manufactured by applying ceramic-forming composition to the external non-circular surface of the heat shrinkable polymeric tubular mandrel component of a rotating mandrel-spindle assembly, removing the spindle from said assembly after a predetermined thickness of tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section has been built up on the mandrel and thereafter heat shrinking the mandrel to cause the mandrel to separate from the tubular ceramic structure of non-circular cross section.

Abstract: Injection molding parts onto a carrier web located between mold halves, each mold half having a cavity, resulting in molded articles having parts on both sides of the carrier web. Polymer flow into the cavities is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Articles produced include lenses with part of the carrier web between lens halves, and a carrier web bearing an array of molded parts.

Abstract: A method of molding a microneedle using a mold apparatus that includes the use of high frequency acoustic energy, such as ultrasonic energy.

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 molding apparatus for packaging a semiconductor device includes an upper mold having a first cavity, a lower mold having a second cavity corresponding to the first cavity, and a selective flow facilitation unit. The first and second cavities are configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB). The selective flow facilitation unit is configured to increase a flow of a molding resin in a selective area of the PCB. The flow of the molding resin in the selective area of the PCB is faster than the flow of the molding resin in a non-selective area of the PCB.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, arrangements, and methods are provided for creating various structures including microstructures. In one embodiment, a method for creating a microstructure is provided comprising packing a plurality of particles into a micromold, and then applying energy to the particles in the micromold. As a result of the application of energy, a microstructure is formed in the micromold out of the particles. Thereafter, the microstructure is removed from the micromold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for shaping a pharmaceutically active substance in the form of powders, granules, multiparticulate medicaments, in particular pellets and microcapsules, for the production of a tablet or a multiparticulate medicament by means of ultrasound, with an ultrasound generator, a sonotrode and a mould, into which the pharmaceutically active substance can be poured.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is nanoimprint technology that enables the transfer of fine patterns to the surfaces of various molding materials, including general-purpose engineering plastic, in a short manufacturing process time. Embodiments of the present invention include a nanoimprint method for transferring fine patterns of a mold surface to a molding material by pressing the mold against the molding material while applying ultrasonic vibrations that propagate in the direction of application of a load, where the application of the ultrasonic vibrations and the load is started without heating said molding material to glass-transition temperature and, during at least the application of ultrasonic vibrations, said mold is fixed to the application mechanism of said ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: In the sector relating to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibro-compression for manufacturing slabs or blocks, the organic binder resin consists of an aqueous dispersion of acrylic prepolymer in water and a filler part consists of a hydraulic binder in an amount sufficient to fix wholly or partly the water present in the initial mix; after the vibro-compression step the rough-formed article is subjected to a hardening and curing step in conditions such as to prevent the evaporation of the mix water and subsequently to a heating step so as to obtain crosslinking of the acrylic polymer. If the acrylic binder alone is used, an article with a high degree of porosity is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for equalizing the orientation of fillers and/or distribution of fillers in a molding compound comprising filled plastic material of an injection molded part. A method of this type is required in particular during injection molding. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the injection mold and the molding compound are supplied with sound during injection molding in the injection mold. The sound has a frequency in the range of the spectrum of the first ten natural frequencies of the filler-matrix system. By supplying with this sound, the fillers, for example fibers, are distributed within the injection molding compound in a more isotropic manner with respect to their orientation and distribution so that significantly better mechanical and optical properties of the injection molded part are produced.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.

Abstract: A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave. A process for producing three-dimensional, self-interlacing composites by mechanical polymerization with ultrasonic manipulation, includes placing the fibers and a mixing fluid in a form or mold. The fluid is subjected to ultrasonic manipulation in a mixing step, causing the fibers to be propelled, rotated and three-dimensionally engaged and held to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, arrangements, and methods are provided for creating various structures including microstructures. In one embodiment, a method for creating a microstructure is provided comprising packing a plurality of particles into a micromold, and then applying energy to the particles in the micromold. As a result of the application of energy, a microstructure is formed in the micromold out of the particles. Thereafter, the microstructure is removed from the micromold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: A cover part for a vehicle, especially an underbody cover, has a porous core layer and at least one cover layer on each side, wherein the porous core layer is constructed such that it has acoustic transparency or an acoustically absorbent effect. Here, the porous core layer is made either from a thermoplastic matrix with embedded reinforcement fibers, especially glass fibers, whose melting point temperature is higher than the melting point temperature of the plastic matrix, or from a foam, which is either open-cell or closed-cell and perforated. The acoustically absorbent porous core layer is occupied on one or both sides with one or more acoustically transparent or absorbent covering layers.

Abstract: A vibratory powder consolidation process is provided in which a powder material is subjected to vibratory energy while under static compressive loading. The process provides rapid, full-density powder consolidation with minimum or no structural degradation.

Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic component includes dispersing an alpha-alumina nanopowder whose diameter is above 100 nm in water, using 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) or 4,5-Dihydroxy-m-benzenedisulfonic Acid, Disodium Salt (Tiron™) as dispersant. The pH is shifted towards the isoelectric point (IEP) by adding a mixture of acetic anhydride and ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, drying in a controlled atmosphere (humidity, temperature) and post compacting using cold isostatic pressing and sintering the three-dimensional structure thus formed.

Abstract: High-precision, low-cost molding of dynamic pressure generating grooves is made possible. An ultrasonic generating device 20 is connected to an injection mold 10. The dynamic pressure generating grooves are molded by means of radial dynamic pressure generating groove forming parts 16 and a thrust dynamic pressure generating groove forming part 17 provided in the injection mold 10, with ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic generating device 20 being applied to the injection mold 10 during the injection molding.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transponder inlay (11) for manufacturing a layered structure (40) for a personal document with a substrate layer (12) for arranging a transponder unit (15) that includes an antenna coil (13) and a chip module (14) and which is situated on a contact surface (17) of the substrate layer, wherein the chip module (14) is accommodated in a window opening (30) formed in the substrate layer (12) in such a way that a chip carrier (23) of the chip module rests with its circumferential edge on a compressed peripheral shoulder (24) of the window opening (30); the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the transponder inlay. In addition, the present invention relates to a layered structure for a personal document, which is provided with such a transponder inlay, and an identification document having such a layered structure.

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: A method for applying ultrasonic vibration to a resin material in a molten state by an ultrasonic vibration application apparatus (30) being attached to a molding apparatus (10), in which a load applied to an ultrasonic oscillator is reduced and an amount of air bubbles contained in a molded article is reduced by controlling the pressure P and the melt viscosity ? of the resin material at the time of applying ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: In the field of shaping fabrics there is a need for a method and apparatus for the shaping of fabrics which utilises ultrasonic techniques while improving the versatility of being able to change the profile to be cut/embossed. A method of shaping fabric comprises creating a former having a surface relief which defines the desired profile and/or surface pattern, placing the fabric to be shaped onto the former to overlie said surface relief and remain in a fixed position relative thereto, and sweeping an ultrasonic head in at least two dimensions over the area of fabric overlying the former whilst pressing the fabric between said head and the former such that the profile and/or surface pattern on said former is transferred to said fabric.

Abstract: A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave. A process for producing three-dimensional, self-interlacing composites by mechanical polymerization with ultrasonic manipulation, includes placing the fibers and a mixing fluid in a form or mold. The fluid is subjected to ultrasonic manipulation in a mixing step, causing the fibers to be propelled, rotated and three-dimensionally engaged and held to one another.

Abstract: A method of crimping a varied diameter graft is includes the steps of (i) providing a flat-woven tubular graft having an enlarged woven bulbous portion disposed between flat-woven tubular ends, wherein the flat-woven diameter of the bulbous section is greater than the flat woven diameters of the tubular ends; (ii) providing a mandrel shaped and sized to the woven bulbous section and having a curved crimping surface; and (iii) positioning the curved crimping surface within the bulbous woven section so that the bulbous woven section contours to the curved crimping surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting a particle between a nanoimprint mold assembly and a substrate in a nanoimprint lithography system.

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough, joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials, in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary, with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.