Abstract: Optical windows for intracorporeal devices, intracorporeal devices comprising a window and a method for forming a window for an intracorporeal device are provided. The method comprises placing within a mold an assembly comprising a mandrel located within a pair of parts separated by a collar of window material, heating the window preform effective to cause the window material to soften, and applying force to urge together the pair of parts to deform the window material so as to form a window. The intracorporeal devices, such as imaging devices, include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes. In addition, the method is suitable for joining plastic parts to other parts, such as metal and ceramic parts.

Abstract: A tubular resonant mechanical horn having a contoured inner surface such that, under vibration, an output radial displacement is obtained on the outer surface of horn that is substantially uniform over its entire surface, for producing effects useful in continuous processes. The horn does not contain a node of motional displacement.

Abstract: Cure and consolidation of a viscous thermoplastic resin, especially one that softens and melts at a high temperature, is improved by assisting autoclave pressurized momentum transport for compaction of the composite using high frequency, low amplitude acoustic vibration within the resin. The vibration induces shear thinning in the resin which promotes resin flow, achieves filling or collapse of voids, and assists consolidation of the composite preform.

Abstract: A method for filling vias in an electronic substrate which includes providing a source of fill material; providing a pressure head coupled to the source of fill material via a fill material inlet, the pressure head further comprising an elongated fill material outlet which is substantially larger than the fill material inlet; placing the pressure head in contact with the electronic substrate; and pressurizing the fill material to inject fill material into the vias of the electronic substrate.

Abstract: Manufacturing a coating for an impression cylinder whereby a carrier and a cylinder shape is provided. A hollow cylinder is positioned between the carrier and the cylinder shape, and material to form the coating in the spaces is introduced between the carrier and the hollow cylinder (the internal field) and between the hollow cylinder and the cylinder shape (the external field). The hollow cylinder is removed at a certain pre-selected velocity from between the carrier and the cylinder shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for processing thermoplastic synthetic materials. According to the invention, the melt strands or the like are displaced in oscillation or pulsation in order to indent or penetrate the joint lines between at least two injection strands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the compression of granular materials. On compressing granular material to give prepared products e.g. concrete paving slabs, a resonance vibrator with an oscillating mass-spring system is applied, which may be energised by a controllable energiser to produce forced oscillation of a given frequency and oscillatory amplitude. The resonant effect, making use of the proximity of the inherent resonance frequency and the exciter frequency permits a reduction in the size of the exciter force. According to the invention, along with an adjustment of the exciter frequency the resonant frequency is also simultaneously co-adjusted by means of a suitable adjuster, in order to be able to g make use of the resonance effect throughout the whole spectrum of the exciter frequencies to be carried out.

Abstract: An assembly and method enhances particulate matter retention during the filling of a moving cavity. The assembly further reduces the tendency of particulate matter to come to rest at a point other than in the moving cavity. The assembly for enhancing particulate matter retention comprises a transport for continuously moving a stream of empty cavities in a downstream direction. The assembly further includes a feed for depositing particulate matter from a supply into the empty cavities on the transport. A vibrator engages the cavities on the transport thereby vibrating the cavities to enhance particulate matter retention within the cavities and to remove any excess particulate matter from areas adjacent the cavities. The assembly and method are particularly suited for efficiently filing cavities in a multiple component cigarette filter preform with carbon or similar type granules.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A quantitatively extrusion supplying method of continuously supplying synthetic resin fine particulate matters by the action of ultraviolet vibration, wherein the fine particulate matters are composed of columnar or square column-form small pellets, in which when the longitudinal length, the width, and the height thereof on the three-dimensional rectangular coordinate are x, y, and z respectively, the sum of x, y, and z is in the range of from 0.9 to 4.6 mm, and each value of x, y, and z is at least 20% of the sum x, y, and z. By the method, even the resin fine particulate matters having a diameter of 500 &mgr;m or larger can be stably and continuously supplied in a short time without need of a labor and time for cleaning a ultraviolet feeder at changing the material to be conveyed.

Abstract: A method for underfilling and encapsulating flip-chip configured semiconductor devices mounted on a carrier substrate using stereolithography (STL) to form, in situ, at least semisolid dam structures of photopolymeric material about the devices to entrap liquid, unpolymerized resin between the devices and substrate. Prior to the STL process, the carrier substrate and mounted devices are immersed in the liquid polymeric resin, optionally with vibratory energy, to purge contaminants from between the device and substrate, and to fill spaces between the semiconductor devices and carrier substrate with the liquid resin.

Abstract: Cure and consolidation of a viscous thermoplastic resin, especially one that softens and melts at a high temperature, is improved by assisting autoclave pressurized momentum transport for compaction of the composite using high frequency, low amplitude acoustic vibration within the resin. The vibration induces shear thinning in the resin which promotes resin flow, achieves filling or collapse of voids, and assists consolidation of the composite preform.

Abstract: A system for fluid processing is provided to control shear, point velocity and pressure in either a Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid which includes creation of three fields, namely a dynamic microshear field, a dynamic velocity field and a dynamic pressure field, with the fields being created by the injection of energy between 1 KHz and 10 MHz into the fluid. Control is achieved by control of the angle at which mechanical energy is delivered, steering and/or focusing of the energy, control of the amplitude of the energy waveform, of the energy, and control of the frequency of the energy in one embodiment to eliminate standing waves. By controlling the three fields, the system is able to control overall fluid behavior. In one embodiment, energy is injected into a fluid at any angle to the direction of flow assuming the fluid is flowing, with the injected energy providing a predetermined controllable zone of energy in the fluid at the region of energy injection.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a molded resinous part with a metal distributed in a surface thereof comprising: kneading a low-melting metal and a resin having a curing temperature lower than a solidification point of the low-melting metal in a molten state; and injection-molding the resulting kneaded mixture into a mold whose temperature is set to a temperature equal to or lower than the solidification point of the low-melting metal and higher than the curing temperature of the resin, thereby obtaining a molded resinous part comprising the resin as a core and the low-melting metal in a surface thereof.

Abstract: Cure and consolidation of a viscous thermoplastic resin, especially one that softens and melts at a high temperature, is improved by assisting autoclave pressurized momentum transport for compaction of the composite using high frequency, low amplitude acoustic vibration within the resin. The vibration induces shear thinning in the resin which promotes resin flow, achieves filling or collapse of voids, and assists consolidation of the composite preform.

Abstract: A method for filling vias in an electronic substrate which includes providing a source of fill material; providing a pressure head coupled to the source of fill material via a fill material inlet, the pressure head further comprising an elongated fill material outlet which is substantially larger than the fill material inlet; placing the pressure head in contact with the electronic substrate; and pressurizing the fill material to inject fill material into the vias of the electronic substrate.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles from particulate thermoplastic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a track having a plurality of process stations, (b) providing a mold assembly comprising a base, at least one hollow mold upstanding from the base, and guide means on the base for moving the mold assembly on the track, (c) preheating the mold assembly at a preheat station on the track, (d) moving the mold assembly from the preheat station to a transfer station on the track, (e) transferring the mold assembly from the transfer station to a molding station, (f) forming the molded articles by fusing particulate material to the at least one mold at the molding station, (g) transferring the mold assembly with the molded articles thereon from the molding station back to the transfer station, (h) moving the mold assembly from the transfer station to a cooling station on the track, (i) moving the mold assembly from the cooling station to an unloading station on the track, (j) removing the mol

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fastener part consisting of plastic materials and comprising a strip or film-type support part (20), which is provided with a plurality of hook elements on at least one of its two sides. Each hook element has a head part (32), which is connected to the support part (20) by a stem part (30). To obtain different geometric forms for the head parts (32), which are wider in relation to the stem parts (30), a thermoplastic molding process is used, which acts on the free ends of the stem parts (30). As the thermoplastic molding process is carried out using ultrasound and the head parts are molded by means of a molding tool that comes into contact with the free end of the stem parts (30), hook elements with variable head shapes or geometric forms can be produced in a material-saving manner without using the usual calendar rolling methods.

Abstract: In a method for pressing ceramic powders comprising a powder compaction stage within a mold, after exerting the powder compacting pressure the powder is subjected to close-together pressure pulses while maintaining the compacting pressure applied.

Abstract: A method for filling vias in an electronic substrate which includes providing a source of fill material; providing a pressure head coupled to the source of fill material via a fill material inlet, the pressure head further comprising an elongated fill material outlet which is substantially larger than the fill material inlet; placing the pressure head in contact with the electronic substrate; and pressurizing the fill material to inject fill material into the vias of the electronic substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object by stereolithography. A solid reinforcing material is mixed with the fluid medium so that at least a part of said solid reinforcing medium is located in the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. An acoustic field is then established in the fluid medium such that this acoustic field exists in at least part of the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. The solid reinforcing material is thereby moved with said acoustic force field. A three-dimensional reinforced object is thereby produced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vibration type driving apparatus comprising an elastic member which, in use, is excited with a vibration that sets a moving member into motion relative to the vibrating elastic member. The method includes providing a friction member on at least one of the elastic member and the moving member, and pressing the friction member between a mold and the at least one of the elastic member and the moving member forming a smooth contacting surface on the friction member.

Abstract: A filling system includes a pressurized source of fill material and a pressure fill head wherein the fill head also includes a heating element positioned so as to transfer heat to fill material passing through the fill head. A method of filling holes using a fill material passing through a pressure fill head includes the steps of causing fill material to enter the fill head, modifying the viscosity of the fill material while it is within the fill head, and causing the modified viscosity fill material to exit the fill head and enter at least one hole.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A method for packing a stationary phase into a small diameter fluid passageway or flow channel. Capillary action is employed to distribute a stationary phase uniformly along both the length and diameter of the flow channel. The method disclosed here: 1) eliminates the need for high pressure pumps and fittings and the safety hazards associated therewith; 2) allows the use of readily available commercial microparticles, either coated or uncoated, as the stationary phase; 3) provides for different types of particles, different particle sizes, and different particle size distributions to be packed in sequence, or simultaneously; 4) eliminates the need for plugging the flow channel prior to adding the stationary phase to retain the packing particles; and 5) many capillaries can be filled simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a part having at least one mechanically weakened area includes a step of producing a thermoplastics material part and at least one cycle of steps entailing forming a localized opening through an area of the part, heating the part locally by means of a heating probe so as to render the aforementioned area of the part plastic, and using a punch to modify the geometry of the area rendered plastic so as to delimit in the part a mechanically weakened area constituting a hole or hole precursor.

Abstract: A method for filling vias in an electronic substrate which includes providing a source of fill material; providing a pressure head coupled to the source of fill material via a fill material inlet, the pressure head further comprising an elongated fill material outlet which is substantially larger than the fill material inlet; placing the pressure head in contact with the electronic substrate; and pressurizing the fill material to inject fill material into the vias of the electronic substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a part with at least a mechanically weakened zone, including a step of producing a thermoplastic part (10), and at least a cycle of steps which include: locally producing a through recess in a zone of the part having a constant thickness; locally heating the part using a heat probe (15) so as to make the zone of the part plastic; modifying with a punch (15) the geometry of the resulting plastic zone so as to define in the part a mechanically weakened zone constituting a hole or a hole outline.

Abstract: A metal shaft is covered with plastic. A metal sleeve is moved relative to the plastic covered shaft. The sleeve and the plastic covered shaft are ultrasoncially vibrated to calibrate the plastic on the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the melt extrusion of a molten thermoplastic polymer, e.g., as fibers and nonwoven webs, which apparatus and method utilize ultrasonic energy to assist in the melt-extrusion process. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the molten thermoplastic polymer. The die housing includes a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer, an inlet orifice adapted to supply the chamber with the molten thermoplastic polymer, and an extrusion orifice adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer from the chamber and extrude the polymer. The means for applying ultrasonic energy is located within the chamber. The method involves supplying a molten thermoplastic polymer and extruding the molten thermoplastic polymer through an extrusion orifice in the foregoing apparatus to form a threadline.

Abstract: A system for fluid processing is provided to control shear, point velocity and pressure in either a Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid which includes creation of three fields, namely a dynamic microshear field, a dynamic velocity field and a dynamic pressure field, with the fields being created by the injection of energy between 1 KHz and 10 MHz into the fluid. Control is achieved by control of the angle at which mechanical energy is delivered, steering and/or focusing of the energy, control of the amplitude of the energy waveform, of the energy, and control of the frequency of the energy in one embodiment to eliminate standing waves. By controlling the three fields, the system is able to control overall fluid behavior. In one embodiment, energy is injected into a fluid at any angle to the direction of flow assuming the fluid is flowing, with the injected energy providing a predetermined controllable zone of energy in the fluid at the region of energy injection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus 10 and method of ultrasonic injection molding a plastic part including: providing plastic pellets 12; passing the pellets into a defined space 14 in an ultrasonic horn apparatus 16; applying ultrasonic energy to the horn thereby permitting flow of the melted plastic; applying a force to a plunger 18 which forces the melted plastic into a mold 24 of a desired shape; and recovering the desired part.

Abstract: A resin mold product and a wiring method are provided. This resin mold product includes a main body formed into a pillar trim, side walls which are situated higher than wires, and wire receiving portions formed between the side walls. According to the wiring method: the wires, which have been cut to a suitable length for the front pillar, are received by the wire receiving portions; the side walls are partially melted so as to weld and secure the wires to the resin mold product; the resin mold product is mounted to the front pillar; and circuits mounted on the instrument panel and the roof are connected to each other.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles from particulate thermoplastic material, the process comprising:

Abstract: Method for potting or casting hollow fiber bundles and form a tube sheet as part of fabricating a gas separation membrane module. A hollow fiber bundle is placed in a mold, into which a resin filled with solids injected, and the resin is exposed in a liquid bath in which the mold is immersed, to an ultrasonic field while it is so injected. The solids may be chosen among metals, metal oxides, silica, quartz, ceramics and inorganic salts.

Abstract: Plastic composite gears and bearings with excellent friction and wear properties and further, plastic composite molded parts with excellent dimensional accuracy, can be presented at a low cost without adding large quantities of solid lubricant and glass fibers, etc., by adding a crystalline nucleus to crystalline polymers, such as polyacetal, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, etc.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an injection molding cylinder with a material supply at one end and an injection nozzle at the other end and a material conveyance unit attached to a drive and movable in the injection molding cylinder. The injection molding machine also includes a vibration element for inducing a flow of melt within the injection molding cylinder for homogenizing the melt.

Abstract: A method of making a perforated laminate wherein a pliable perforation device having plurality of holes and plurality of perforation pins in the holes is assembled on a laminate; the pins are driven through the uncured laminate to perforate the laminate; the laminate is then staged or cured with pins in place; and the pins are then removed from the cured laminate and pushed back into the perforation device for reuse thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling a screw injecting apparatus having a heating cylinder and a screw slidably and rotatably received in the heating cylinder and designed to carry out a plasticizing-metering phase in which a predetermined amount of a molten material is accumulated forwardly of the screw by plasticizing and kneading a raw molding material via the screw and the heating cylinder, a waiting phase in which the screw is held inactive for a period between completion of the metering and subsequent injection of the molten material, and an injecting phase in which the molten material is injected. The method comprises the step of causing the apparatus to vibrate the molten material at a predetermined low frequency axially of the screw during the plasticizing-metering phase. By vibrating the molten material at a low frequency during the relatively long plasticizing-metering phase, the viscosity of the molten material can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for forming shaped fibrous articles. The method involves introducing at least a portion of a fibrous element into a shaping tool and subjecting the fibrous element in the shaping tool to ultrasonic energy. This imparts the shape of the shaping tool to the surface of the fibrous element. The apparatus has a guide-holder to receive and removably retain a fibrous element and an ultrasonic shaping tool which can be applied to the fibrous element. The shaping tool has a recess corresponding to a predetermined shape for the article. Preferably, the shaping tool and guide-holder are reciprocally moveable with respect to one another.

Abstract: Standing planar compression waves are used to control the spacing and alignment of previously randomly distributed and randomly oriented loose fibrous elements in a fluid medium. A relatively intense standing planar compression wave comprising the superposition of multiple planar compression waves travelling in opposite directions is established between a pair of emitter/reflector surfaces working in concert. The fibrous elements gravitate to the nodes of the standing waves and align themselves parallel to the emitter/reflector surface of the transducer. The composite material may be solidified by cooling (or other process), which freezes the fibrous elements in an aligned array, thereby effecting the directional dependency of various structural properties of the composite material (including compression strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity).

Abstract: An air bag cover and manufacturing method thereof wherein the air bag cover comprises a core member which can be formed by injection molding, and a decorative sheet disposed on the surface of the core member. The decorative sheet includes at least two layers, an outer layer and a barrier layer disposed on a back side of the outer layer to protect the outer layer when the core member is injection molded. The core member is made of thermoplastic elastomer which can be thermally fused to the barrier layer. A breakable portion is provided in the barrier layer and core member.

Abstract: A moldable ceramic composition is made by forming the suspension of electrically charged ceramic particles and then coagulating.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material and articles of manufacture formed thereof are formed by the method comprising: forming a compound material comprising a mixture of curable matrix-forming binder, heat resistant reinforcing fibers, and at least one particulate material, wherein the curable matrix-forming binder is 5 to 50% by volume of the compound material; curing the curable binder under simultaneous application of externally applied pressure and ultrasonic energy. Articles according to the invention are useful in a multitude of applications, particularly in applications where the article must retain its shape and properties when subjected to temperatures above the melting point of usual thermoplastic materials, e.g. above 1000.degree. C. The method provides dense, thermally stable, coherent composite materials having a desired high density. Forming and curing times are typically 10 times shorter than conventional methods, e.g. for brake pads in about 3-5 seconds.

Abstract: Standing planar compression waves are used to control the spacing and alignment of previously randomly distributed and randomly oriented loose fibrous elements in a fluid medium. Standing planar compression waves are established within the medium by a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric transducer. The fibrous elements gravitate to the nodes of the standing waves and align themselves parallel to the vibrating surface of the transducer. The composite material may be solidified by cooling (or other process), which freezes the fibrous elements in an aligned array, thereby effecting the directional dependency of various structural properties of the composite material (including compression strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity).

Abstract: An improved stiffener reinforced assembly and method. There is a skin member and a stiffener member including a web portion, a flange portion, and a radius region interconnecting the web portion and the flange portion. The flange portion resides on the skin member. A plurality of reinforcing pins are disposed through the radius region of the stiffener member and into the skin member to secure the stiffener member to the skin member.

Abstract: A method for improving consolidation of powder resin is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (1) sorting particles of the powder resin according to their diameter; (2) combining the sorted particles having a first diameter D1 with the sorted particles having a second diameter D2 so as to form a particle mixture; (3) applying a vibration to the particle mixture; (4) heating the particle mixture; and (5) delivering the particle mixture through a nozzle or into a mold. The particle diameters D1 and D2 are chosen so that once combined there is optimal close packing of the three-dimensional spaces between the powder resin particles.

Abstract: A dental restoration part is produced from a ceramic material by a method ultrasonic working. The method includes forming a negative mold from a master sonotrode, forming a pre-working sonotrode from the negative mold, and ultrasonically working a workpiece using the pre-working sonotrode. The master sonotrode is then used to ultrasonically work the workpiece to form the dental restoration part.

Abstract: A method, and an article produced according to the method, for embedding conductors in a structure having a signal distribution function associated therewith such as a vehicle instrument panel. The method includes embedding a conductor in a film, and molding a material to the film such that the material and the film integrally form the structure. The method also includes attaching a connector to the integral structure so that the connector is provided in communication with the conductor.