Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an aerogel sheet including: a supply roller around which a blanket is wound to form a roll; a conveyor belt transferring the blanket wound around the supply roller from one side to the other side thereof; a silica sol supply member injecting the silica sol to a surface of the blanket disposed on the conveyor belt to impregnate the blanket with silica sol; a catalyst supply member injecting a gelling catalyst to the surface of the blanket impregnated with silica sol to gelate the silica sol; a collection roller winding the blanket, which is transferred up to the other side by the conveyor belt, in the form of a roll; and a reaction vessel which accommodates the roll-shaped blanket collected by the collection roller and in which the accommodated blanket is aged, modified by injecting a coating solution, or dried at a high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an aerogel sheet and comprises: a step (a) of impregnating an acid solution into a fiber sheet to clean the fiber sheet by using the acid solution and impregnating a binder solution into the fiber sheet that is cleaned by using the acid solution to manufacture a pre-processed fiber sheet; a step (b) of impregnating a silica precursor into the pre-processed fiber sheet; and a step (c) of a gelling catalyst into the fiber sheet into which the silica precursor is impregnated to gelate the silica precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible composite organic aerogel (1) comprising: a textile reinforcement (5), an organic aerogel (3) placed within said textile reinforcement (3), said organic aerogel (3) being based on a resin resulting at least in part from polyhydroxybenzene(s) R and formaldehyde(s) F, said organic aerogel (3) being a polymeric organic gel comprising at least one water-soluble cationic polyelectrolyte, or said organic aerogel (3) being a pyrolysate of said gel in the form of a porous carbon monolith comprising the product of the pyrolysis of said at least one water-soluble cationic polyelectrolyte P, said organic aerogel (3) exhibiting a specific thermal conductivity of between 10 and 40 mW·m?1·K?1 at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for creating apertures with melted edges in a web shaped material including feeding a web-shaped material through a nip between a rotational ultrasonic horn and a rotational anvil roller, so as to create melted regions in the web-shaped material, while the web is residing on the anvil roller having a rotational speed. The method further includes controlling the rotational speed of the ultrasonic horn to a speed other than that of the anvil roller, such that a speed difference is created between the horn and the anvil roller. The speed difference is selected such that a stress created in the web acts to rupture the centers of the melted regions in the web-shaped material, whereby the apertures with melted edges are created.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are described for forming projections on a substrate for use as hook-type fasteners in touch fastening systems, wherein vibration energy may be used to soften a substrate which may be positioned between a mold and a source of vibration. The mold may include a plurality of cavities into which the softened substrate may be forced to form the projections. The substrate may comprise a film, sheet, web, composite, laminate, etc. and be useful as an attachment strip for temporary or permanent fastening. The source of vibration may be an ultrasonic horn. The process to form such projections may be operated in a continuous, semi-continuous or intermittent manner.

Abstract: An endoscope flexible tube comprises: a tubular structure having flexibility; and a shell layer on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular structure, wherein the shell layer has a two-layer structure including a rigid resin layer of a rigid resin and a soft resin layer of a soft resin, and wherein the two-layer structure is maintained over the entire flexible tube in its length direction.

Abstract: Device and apparatus for selective deposition of molten plastic material and method of manufacture by selective deposition. The device and the apparatus include a melting chamber communicated with a portion of a sonotrode of an ultrasonic transducer, a passage for feeding plastic material, and at least one outlet opening for supplying molten plastic material dropwise or continuously. A feeding of plastic material to the melting chamber is provided. The method includes feeding plastic material to the melting chamber configured in a device for selective deposition installed in a head of a piece of industrial manufacturing equipment, which is moved according to a strategy of its path defined by numerical control on a deposition area, and pouring plastic material melted by ultrasound through the outlet opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous mixing/extrusion method, assisted by ultrasound waves with a variable amplitude and frequency, for the preparation of nanocompounds based on polymers, preferably thermoplastics and nanoparticles, at a concentration of up to 60 wt.-% of the total weight of the polymer/nanoparticle mixture. According to the invention, the polymer/nanoparticle mixture is subjected in the molten state to a discrete and continuous sweep with a variable amplitude and frequency, of between 15 kHz and 50 kHz.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fiber composite excellent in lightweight and rigidity.

Abstract: A method for creating apertures with melted edges in a web shaped material including feeding a web-shaped material through a nip between a rotational ultrasonic horn and a rotational anvil roller, so as to create melted regions in the web-shaped material, while the web is residing on the anvil roller having a rotational speed. The method further includes controlling the rotational speed of the ultrasonic horn to a speed other than that of the anvil roller, such that a speed difference is created between the horn and the anvil roller. The speed difference is selected such that a stress created in the web acts to rupture the centers of the melted regions in the web-shaped material, whereby the apertures with melted edges are created.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating nanofibers by reactive electrospinning are described. An electrospinning process is coupled with an in-line reactor where chemical or photochemical reactions take place. This invention expands the application of the electrospinning and allows the production of nanofibers of crosslinked polymers and other new materials, such as gel nanofibers of ceramic precursors.

Abstract: A novel process is used to prepare synthetic rubbers (B) which feature very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a synthetic rubber with ultrasound, where the resultant synthetic rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the synthetic rubber (A) used. The resultant synthetic rubbers (B) have excellent suitability for processing via extruder processes or injection-molding processes.

Abstract: A novel process is used to prepare synthetic rubbers (B) which feature very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a synthetic rubber with ultrasound, where the resultant synthetic rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the synthetic rubber (A) used. The resultant synthetic rubbers (B) have excellent suitability for processing via extruder processes or injection-moulding processes.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are described for forming projections on a substrate for use as hook-type fasteners in touch fastening systems, wherein vibration energy may be used to soften a substrate which may be positioned between a mold and a source of vibration. The mold may include a plurality of cavities into which the softened substrate may be forced to form the projections. The substrate may comprise a film, sheet, web, composite, laminate, etc. and be useful as an attachment strip for temporary or permanent fastening. The source of vibration may be an ultrasonic horn. The process to form such projections may be operated in a continuous, semi-continuous or intermittent manner.

Abstract: A camera for capturing a casting bead is provided at each side end of a discharge port in a width direction thereof. Plural speakers are provided at the vicinity of an opening of a decompression chamber. The camera continuously captures the casting bead, and outputs image data thereof to a control unit. The control unit includes a vibration detector and a suppressing vibration generator. The vibration detector detects vibration of the casting bead based on the plural image data. The suppressing vibration generator generates suppressing vibration signal representing the phase and amplitude of the suppressing vibration for suppressing the vibration generated in the thickness direction of the casting bead. The control unit controls the speakers based on the suppressing vibration signal to output sound wave. Thereby, the suppressing vibration is applied to the casting bead.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing sheets of agglomerate material comprising in succession a first step involving preparation of a mix by mixing a granulate with an organic binder, a second step involving distribution of the mix inside a tray mould, a third step involving vacuum vibro-compaction in order to obtain a compacted sheet, and a final step involving hardening of the organic binder, an intermediate step involving dielectric preheating of the compacted sheet being introduced between the third vacuum vibro-compaction step and the final hardening step.

Abstract: A method of making a patterned ribbon includes cutting a fabric to strips of ribbons, providing a roller device having a patterned model and a cutting blade, providing an ultrasonic device for high frequently oscillating and heating up the roller device, setting the ribbon under the roller device and driving the roller device to rotate and press the ribbon. The patterned model presses and melts corresponding regions of the ribbon to form a coining pattern on the ribbon according to the pattern of the patterned model. The heated cutting blade cuts down the excessive portion of the ribbon, and rapidly melts an edge of the ribbon for sealing.

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.

Abstract: The substrates of the present invention comprise a polyimide base polymer derived at least in part from non-rigid rod monomers together with optionally rigid rod monomers where the substrates are cured under low tension. The resulting polyimide materials have been found to provide advantageous properties (e.g. balanced molecular orientation, good dimensional stability, and flatness) particularly useful for electronics type applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multicomponent fiber containing at least two polymer components arranged in distinct zones or segments across the cross-section of the fiber wherein at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoplastic polymer and at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoset polymer. The invention also provides fabrics and fabric laminates containing the multicomponent fibers, and articles containing the fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Method for forming an air laid fibrous web, wherein an air born fiber stream is laid on a web shaped forming member, such as a wire, and the air laid fibrous web is bonded together. The air laid fibrous web is fed between two web-shaped forming members and bonding of the fibrous web takes place either when this is located between the two web-shaped forming members or immediately after one forming member has left the fibrous web.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming a compressed product. The method includes introducing a material into a press that is oscillating between a compression phase and a release phase. The material has a compression recovery response time when compressed and released. The compressed product is formed by repeatedly compressing the material during the compression phase and releasing the material during the release phase.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming a compressed product. The method includes introducing a material into a press. The material has a flow direction through the press. The press is arranged to have at least one platen oscillating between a compression phase and a release phase. The at least one platen is configured to impart a compressive force onto the material during the compression phase such that the force is applied initially at an acute compression vector angle relative to the material flow direction. As a function of the angled compressive force, the material is transported a distance through the press and then released during the release phase.

Abstract: In a method of joining a solidifiable liquid polymeric material to a solid material to produce a solid article, the solid material is contacted with the liquid polymeric material at an interface. Ultrasonic energy is applied so that the energy reaches the interface between the contacting solid material and liquid polymeric material. A joint is formed at the interface by allowing or causing the liquid polymeric material to solidify, to produce a solid article comprising the solidified polymeric material joined to the solid material.

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: An apparatus and method for producing a spread fiber bundle using a fiber-spreading device composed of a group of rollers and a base body reciprocated to be repetitively brought into contact with and kept away from a running fiber bundle, and a method for producing a prepreg. Fiber bundle can be stably and efficiently spread even in the case where the fiber bundle to be spread are filaments having a high elastic modulus such as carbon filaments or where the carbon fiber bundle conveying speed is higher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rubber sheet containing short fibers. The method includes the steps of: mixing short fibers in a flowable rubber matrix; forming the flowable rubber matrix with the fibers therein into a cylindrical shape with a circumferential extent; separating a portion of the circumferential extent from the cylindrical shape, and forming the cylindrical shape with the portion separated into a sheet form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

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: Method and apparatus for applying ultrasonic energy to a variety of manufacturing processes, particularly for producing an extrudate product from an extruder wherein one or more ultrasonic transducers are utilized to uniformly ultrasonically vibrate at least a portion of an extruder assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are prepared by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

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 and apparatus for devulcanizing cured or cross-linked elastomers. The method includes subdividing elastomeric raw material into small particle form, confining the particles of elastomer under high force, as in a screw extruder or the like and, as the particles remain confined, imparting ultrasonic energy to the mass to effect devulcanization. Energy is fed to the confined particles transversely of the axis along which they are advancing, and energy from a source is reflected off a portion of the apparatus and back into the treatment zone so as to achieve maximum energy utilization. In particular instances, reflection of energy is achieved by providing opposed, powered ultrasonic horns that resonate in phase with each other. In another embodiment, oppositely directed, resonantly tuned horns are used, with less than all such horns being powered and the remainder being passive or unpowered reflecting horns who resonant frequency is tuned to that of the powered horn.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymer film having second order non-linear optical properties which has excellent stability of orientated molecules and does not become disorientated, and a polymer film and a non-linear optical element are provided. A polymer solution is placed between two substrates, which are disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a rotating stand and substantially symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis of the rotating stand, and the rotating stand is rotated. A polymer film having second order non-linear optical properties is formed by the centrifugal force generated at the polymer solution.

Abstract: A method for producing shaped bodies of particulate material by introducing an easily flowable slurry of water and particulate material into a mold with perforated walls and by applying a sufficiently high pressure to the slurry in the mold so as to express a sufficient proportion of the liquid to allow physical contact and interengagement between the particles. The method may be carried out continuously in an extrusion process including introducing the slurry under high pressure into a extruder and conveying the slurry through a shaping section of the extruder to a draining and consolidation section of the extruder with drain holes and slits whereby a non-flowable, consolidated, shaped body leaves the extruder through an exit section.

Abstract: A process for forming fibers, films and fibrous webs from thermoset polymers is disclosed. The process includes first forming an energy activatable prepolymer composition. The prepolymer composition is extruded through a die in order to form polymeric articles. Once extruded through the die, the prepolymer composition is then contacted with an energy source which causes the prepolymer composition to irreversibly undergo a chemical transformation to form a thermoset polymer. The cured polymeric articles can then be collected onto a surface and used as desired. The energy source used to activate the prepolymer composition can be, for instance, a heated gas stream, ultra sonic sound waves, or a radiation source.

Abstract: Fibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to at least one surface of a highly oriented, voided, melt-processed polymeric film. The fibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A brassiere back closure can have flat circular injection molded male and female fastener halves connectable in a hook-and-eye fashion on respective tapes partly covered by brushed knitted strips and designed to be pulled apart for opening of the closure. The back closure is made by injection molding the fasteners halves onto the respective continuous fabric covering them with the brushed fabric strips which are ultrasonically welded to the tapes, and severing the tapes at gaps in the weld seams.

Abstract: Method for forming an air laid fibrous web, wherein an air born fiber stream is laid on a web shaped forming member, such as at wire (12;17), and the air laid fibrous web is bonded together. The air laid fibrous web is fed between two web-shaped forming members (11,12;17,18;19,20) and bonding of the fibrous web takes place either when this is located between the two web-shaped forming members or immediately after one forming member has left the fibrous web.

Abstract: A cable system is provided which can accommodate electrical and optical cabling. The conductors of the system employ a layer which is impedance-matched to space, decreasing their cross-section to electromagnetic interference. The conductors of the system also employ a layer which symmetrizes electromagnetic interference signals, reducing the effect of interference and crosstalk on the signals carried by the conductors. The system also includes a node interface device for connection to a global electrical and fiber network. The node interface device connects to a user interface device through the cable.

Abstract: A method for making thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer films with improved transverse direction properties comprises two preferably embossed rollers which oscillate oppositely with respect to each along their respective rotational axes. Film made by passing a liquid crystalline polymer between such rolls has improved transverse direction properties. Such films are useful in multilayer containers and for circuit boards.

Abstract: A method of high speed bonding at least one material includes applying acoustic energy, using an acoustic horn and an anvil, to the material. The method also includes applying force to at least one of the horn and the anvil to yield a peak pressure between the horn and the anvil of at least 2.068.times.10.sup.7 N/m.sup.2. The acoustic energy and pressure are applied for a time sufficient to create bonds in the material such that the material is sufficiently quenched before reducing the pressure. The method can include applying acoustic energy at an amplitude of vibration selected in combination with the frequency of vibration to yield an acoustic velocity of no greater than 4.72 m/s.

Abstract: An apparatus for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material has an ultrasonic exposure portion including a body forming an exposure channel through which particles of the material flow and an ultrasonic generator including a horn extending generally traverse to the direction of the material flow. The apparatus also has a preconditioning portion for feeding the particles to the ultrasonic exposure channel. The method for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material comprises the steps of preconditioning and feeding particles of the material, including heating the particles; feeding the particles through a pressurized exposure channel; and exposing the particles to ultrasonic energy within the exposure channel with an ultrasonic wave propagated in a direction traverse to the direction of the channel to effect devulcanization by breaking chemical bonds in the material.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber is provided with a desired length and with a desired graded refractive index. To this end, a base polymer is first mixed with a non-polymerizable compound having a higher refractive index to obtain a fiber material. This material is then melted and continually spun into a fiber. The fiber is dipped into a polymerizable monomer and heated, during which both the non-polymerizable monomer and the polymerizable monomer diffuse inside the fiber, thereby grading the refractive index. When the fiber is heated, the diffused polymerizable monomer is polymerized and the fiber is hardened. The fiber is further coated with a cladding to form the desired plastic optical fiber. Various devices are provided for carrying out the above described processes.

Abstract: A microporous film can be made by adding a foaming agent to the components of a film material to create bubbles in the film. The microporous film can also be made by adding filaments to the components of the film material and dissolving the filaments to create the pores. In either process, the size of the pores can be controlled to be no greater than 0.027 .mu.m.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming apertures generally greater than about 0.05 square millimeters in a thin sheet material. The thin sheet material includes a first side and a second side at least one side of the thin sheet material is substantially coated with an adhesive. The method comprises the steps of (a) placing the adhesive-coated thin sheet material on a patterned anvil having a pattern of raised areas wherein the height of the raised areas is equal to or less than the thickness of the thin sheet material and the adhesive; and (b) subjecting the thin sheet material to a sufficient amount of sonic vibrations to aperture the thin sheet material and the adhesive; and whereby the thin sheet material and the adhesive is apertured in a pattern generally the same as the pattern of raised areas on the patterned anvil.