Abstract: A method is provided for laser optically marking integrated circuit (IC) packages in a non-destructive manner. The method provides an IC die encapsulated as a package in a compound of glass spheres and epoxy. An acute angle is defined between a laser optical path and an IC package planar surface. The IC package surface is scanned with a laser, and in response to ablating the IC package surface, a legible mark on the planar surface.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate container having a laser-formed area, wherein the laser-formed area is modified in response to radiation energy. In some embodiments, the laser-formed area of the container permitting localized contouring to permit or otherwise generally prevent flexural response to vacuum and/or loading forces. In some embodiments, the laser-formed area of the container comprises visible indicia formed to permit labeless containers.

Abstract: A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.

Abstract: A method of producing water-insoluble anti-cancer drug in the form of particulates, the method including preparing a water-insoluble anti-cancer drug having at least one multiple bond in the structure, and irradiating said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug with a laser beam having a wavelength of a low absorption portion in the vicinity of the foot of an absorption curve on the long wavelength side within the absorption band until said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug is formed into particulates having an average particle diameter of 50 to 200 nm.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for the plastic deformation of a polymer is provided, which is characterized in that the polymer is treated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range from 0.8 to 100 ?m with simultaneous action of pressure and shearing and thermal energy. By means of the method according to the invention, it is also possible to plastically deform polymers which have to date not been accessible to plastic deformation, such as chitin and in particular cellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dyeing method using a laser beam. The method can dye transparent resins such as plastic lens well. Also disclosed is a dyeing apparatus. The dyeing method comprises heating a plastic lens having a dye-coated surface to fix the dye on the surface of the plastic lens. The method comprises the step of applying a laser beam with a wavelength, which is less likely to be absorbed in the dye but it absorbed in the plastic lens, onto the surface of the plastic lens through the dye.

Abstract: A metallic resin cover constitutes a portion of an outer wall of a human detection device in which a detection electrode of a capacitance sensor is provided, and which detects whether a human touches or approaches the human detection device. The metallic resin cover includes a covered body; and a metal layer that has a metal-object discretely arranged structure in which a plurality of metal objects are discretely arranged. The metal layer covers an outer surface of the covered body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for the adjustment of optical or fiber optical components, whereby a partial region of an actuator is locally heated in such a defined manner that compressive stresses are created therein as a result of the restricted thermal expansion of said heated partial region, caused by at least one other partial region of the actuator. If the yielding point ? of the material of the partial region is exceeded, said compressive stresses lead to the plastic compression of the heated partial region. Furthermore, said heated partial region is contracted during cooling and leads to a defined modification of the geometry of the actuator following the cooling process. Tensile stresses are created as a result of a restriction of said contraction by means of at least one other partial region in the previously heated partial region, and compressive stresses are frozen in the at least one other region.

Abstract: A novel enhanced process for laser trimming of grafts includes to heat polish the ends. Both heat polish and vapor polish are known processes in plastic processing. When PTFE is used as a graft or covering material, a problem occurs, time and temperature required will distort the ptfe material in the covering of stent graft, A simple solution is the “wetting” of the ends with and aqueous solution of FEP or PFA. A temperature lower than the melt point of PTFE would be used leaving the graft or covering in tact and unharmed. An aqueous solution of PTFE could also work provided conduction or ironing occurred.

Abstract: A metal mold is prepared, which has a gate, a cavity in which a virtual curve is formed, which forms at least a welding target part of a laser beam transmitting member along the virtual curve, and in which a filling terminal wall is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve, and a throttle part for reducing the flow of a resin flowing from the gate toward the cavity, which is connected to the cavity, and whose connection boundary is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve. Then, a resin is injected into the gate and a crystalline laser beam transmitting member is molded out of the injected resin using the metal mold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for relaxing stresses in polymeric articles by application of laser energy are disclosed.

Abstract: In manufacturing a resin mold assembly, a first weld region of a light transmitting resin member and a second weld region of a light absorbing resin member are disposed facing each other, the first weld region of the light transmitting resin member and the second weld region of the light absorbing resin member are brought into pressed state in mutually facing direction, and a laser beam is scanned to make the laser beam be incident upon the light transmitting resin member, and repetitively radiated on the second weld region to heat and melt a whole of the first and second weld regions simultaneously, thereby welding the light transmitting resin member and the light absorbing resin member.

Abstract: A method of drilling holes in a component made of a ceramic matrix composite with a laser beam. The method includes: a percussion first step during which an initial hole having an initial diameter and a hole axis is drilled; a trepanning second step during which an intermediate hole, coaxial with the initial hole and having a larger diameter than that of the initial hole, is drilled by shifting the laser beam and then making it rotate about the hole axis; and a third step during which the focal point of the laser beam is moved along the hole axis and then pulses are triggered, to obtain a final hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of removing an organic film from a selected portion of an implantable medical device includes: selecting a portion of an implantable medical device from which to remove an organic film comprising a silane primer and a polymer of para-xylylene; using a laser set at a first value for an operational parameter, tracing the perimeter of the selected portion to ablate the organic film along the perimeter; using an infrared laser set at a second value for the operational parameter, scanning the selected portion of the device to heat the surface of the device within the perimeter of the selected portion and thereby separate the organic film from the surface of the device within the perimeter of the selected portion; and mechanically removing the chemically separated organic film from the surface of the device within the perimeter to expose the selected portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a stent, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric tube inside a mold, wherein a high thermally conductive element covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the mold, the high thermally conductive element having a thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the mold; heating at least a portion of the mold; radially expanding the tube against the mold; and fabricating a stent from the radially expanded tube.

Abstract: A sheet including a coextruded medium made from at least one polymer material, including a core layer and at least one skin layer, the core layer including voids, the sheet having intaglio printing performed thereon.

Abstract: An economical, low-effort method and device for producing annular, rotationally symmetrical workpieces, rings or cores for dies of metal and/or ceramic powder or for pressing powder or massive forming of workpieces or components of metal with different qualities. A beam core or shaft-shaped element having at least one beam core is clamped into a rotatable clamping device and rotated. The beam core is made of temperature-resistant material and has at least one segment with an outer diameter corresponding to or smaller than the inner diameter of the workpieces. Metal and/or ceramic powder is fused onto the jacket surface of the beam core at a defined distance from the clamping fixture by a laser and applied in layers until a final wall thickness of the workpiece blank. After cooling, the beam core is partially or completely removed from the blank which is machined on inner and/or outer sides to final dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming ultrafine particles, including: a light source generating a laser beam to be irradiated at an organic substance; at least one microflow channel capable of passing therethrough a suspension containing the organic substance; and a flow device for allowing the suspension containing the organic substance to continuously or intermittently pass through the microflow channel, the organic substance present in the microflow channel being irradiated with the laser beam at least once within a predetermined period, thereby forming ultrafine particles of the organic substance.

Abstract: A coating removal apparatus utilizing a common optics path to provide laser pulses and light illumination to a coated surface. Reflected light resulting from the light illumination impinging the coated surface is directed to a photosensitive detector and analyzer. The reflected light is either sensed directly from the coated surface by the photosensitive detector or the reflected light is directed along at least a portion of the common optics path to the photosensitive detector. The apparatus is an integrated device including a laser source, a beam splitter, scanning optics, a waste removal apparatus, one or more light illuminators, a photosensitive detector, a comparator, and a control logic circuit. Alternatively, the coating removal apparatus is configured as a head component coupled to a body component.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming solid ink sticks comprising a molten ink delivery station for introducing molten ink material into a forming tub to form a solid ink stick. The forming tub includes an open top for receiving the molten ink material and a cavity defining a lower portion of a solid ink stick shape. The system includes a top surface conditioning station for altering the top surface of the ink material introduced into the cavity of the forming tub.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film electronic device comprises applying a plastic coating to a rigid carrier substrate (12) using a wet casting process, the plastic coating forming a plastic substrate (22). The plastic material has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate plane than in a second direction parallel to the substrate plane. Thin film electronic elements are formed over the plastic substrate and the rigid carrier substrate is released from the plastic substrate by a heating process which expands the plastic substrate preferentially in a direction perpendicular to the substrate plane. The anisotropy of the thermal expansion in the plastic substrate of the invention enables the expansion of the substrate during the thermal lift-off process to be in the perpendicular direction. This has been found to aid the lift-off process and also protect the components mounted on the upper surface of the plastic substrate.

Abstract: A method of reforming an interlayer film for heat-insulating laminated glass by which an interlayer film for heat-insulating laminated glass capable of exhibiting an excellent optical property may be obtained even if heat-insulating fine particles covered with an inert substance are used, an interlayer film for heat-insulating laminated glass, and laminated glass is provided. The method comprises irradiating an interlayer film for heat-insulating laminated glass comprising a heat-insulating fine particle covered with an inert substance, a matrix resin, and a liquid plasticizer with a high energy ray comprising an electromagnetic wave having energy of 3.0 eV or more to improve transmittance of visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm, and also to reduce transmittance of a near-infrared radiation having a wavelength of 780 to 2100 nm.

Abstract: A method of forming plastic containers is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming features on substrates by imprinting is provided. The method comprises: (a) forming a polymer solution comprising at least one polymer dissolved in at least one polymerizable monomer; and (b) depositing the polymer solution on a substrate to form a liquid film thereon; and then either: (c) curing the liquid film by causing the monomer(s) to polymerize and optionally cross-linking the polymer(s) to thereby form a polymer film, the polymer film having a glass transition temperature (Tg); and imprinting the polymer film with a mold having a desired pattern to form a corresponding negative pattern in the polymer film, or (d) imprinting the liquid film with the mold and curing it to form the polymer film. The temperature of imprinting is as little as 10° C. above the Tg, or even less if the film is in the liquid state. The pressure of the imprinting can be within the range of 100 to 500 psi.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an decoration film includes the steps of forming a semi-finished decoration film formed with a concave-convex pattern on a surface in a method of manufacturing a printing plate including exposure, cleaning, and drying from a photosensitive resin film; and irradiating laser on the concave-convex pattern of the semi-finished decoration film and removing an unnecessary portion to smooth concave-convex parts and/or provide difference in height of a convex part and depth of a concave part of the concave-convex pattern.

Abstract: A laser-transmissible composition comprises: a dynamic crosslinking polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer that has a melting point ranging from 160 to 210 degrees Centigrade in case of non-coloring, and dye salt exhibiting transmission of a laser having a wavelength of 800 to 1200 nm. A method for laser welding comprises: putting a laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 made from the laser-transmissible composition onto a laser-absorptive molded workpiece 2 having a laser-absorbent 7, irradiating laser 3 towards the laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 to weld the laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 and the laser-absorptive molded workpiece 2.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the outside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.

Abstract: Improved processes for surface treating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is disclosed and improved surface-treated devices made from the processes. The processes employ a laser to surface-modify an expanded PTFE structure to create a macro-roughened surface that has the capability to remain microporous throughout. The unique process of the present invention creates a ridge and valley structure on the surfaces of devices that includes unique gnarled nodes along valley floors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of recuperating a turbine element constituted of a substrate, forming the body of the element, and a protective coating adhering to the substrate. The method comprises the control of the turbine element in order to pinpoint the zones having a bonding defect between the protective coating and the substrate, and the elimination of the bonding defects between the protective coating and the substrate. The bonding defects are eliminated by means of a laser beam directed onto each zone having a bonding defect in order to induce a localized melting of the protective coating and the underlying substrate and enable a sound bond, at the level of said zone, between the protective coating and the substrate after stopping the laser beam.

Abstract: Method including: (a) forming a laminate structure including a plurality of uncured prepreg sheets, wherein the laminate structure comprises an initial substantially planar configuration; (b) subjecting the laminate structure to suitable first curing conditions to provide a partially cured laminate structure while maintaining the substantially planar configuration; (c) providing the partially cured laminate structure with a plurality of perforations to provide a partially cured and perforated laminate structure; (d) shaping the partially cured and perforated laminate structure; and (e) subjecting the partially cured and perforated laminate structure to second curing conditions at least partially simultaneously with or after step (d) to provide a shaped and finally cured laminate structure.

Abstract: In a method for synthesizing polymeric microstructures, a monomer stream is flowed, at a selected flow rate, through a fluidic channel. At least one shaped pulse of illumination is projected to the monomer stream, defining in the monomer stream a shape of at least one microstructure corresponding to the illumination pulse shape while polymerizing that microstructure shape in the monomer stream by the illumination pulse.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an imaging component is provided comprising placing a focusing device in between a laser generator and a scintillator element; generating a laser using the laser generator; focusing the laser using the focusing device such that a focal spot of the laser is coincident with a portion of the isotropic portion; using the laser to alter the optical properties at the focal spot such that anisotropy is generated in the isotropic portion; and moving the focal spot relative to the scintillator element such that a three-dimensional pattern with altered optical properties is generated. The three-dimensional pattern controls the spread of photons within the scintillator element.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: A laser marking device that irradiates a laser beam on a workpiece (W) to transform a portion inside the workpiece at a focal point of the laser beam, thus putting a dot in each predetermined area. The laser marking device includes acquiring mechanism (10, 20) that acquires, as information on the dot, at least two-dimensional position information of an exposed section of the workpiece (W), and density information of the dot, coordinate setting mechanism (30) that calculates, for each dot according to the density information, dot depth information showing the distance from the surface of the workpiece (W) to the dot in the thickness direction of the workpiece (W), and sets three-dimensional coordinates for each dot based on a position specified by the dot depth information and the two-dimensional position information, and laser marking mechanism (40) that performs marking with the three-dimensional coordinates as a laser beam focal point.

Abstract: A laser ablation process is applied to a semiconductor substrate causing the semiconductor material surface and subsurface to be superheated to the point where material is ablated from the material substrate. Optional subsequent laser pulse(s) liquefy the particles, preferably while suspended in air, and the material surface tension causes the liquefied droplet of semiconductor material to form a sphere. The droplet preferably solidifies in air before reaching the substrate of its origin or another substrate for collection.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration, including: determining an external form and dimensions available for a completed restoration; obtaining an image of a natural tooth to be replaced with the restoration or a tooth corresponding therewith, wherein the image comprises at least the external surface visible in use of the to be replaced or corresponding tooth, with variations in the appearance therein; defining locally on and at least to visible depth below the surface of appearance-determining properties of at least one material to be applied for the restoration in accordance with the obtained image and the variations in the appearance therein; constructing the restoration, including the steps of: providing at least one material to be applied in non-cohesive form; and providing cohesion to the material in accordance with the available form and dimensions.

Abstract: Apparatus for stamping and cutting a plastic part includes a housing for accommodating a stamping press. The stamping press has a lower tool part, an upper tool part, and a drive for moving the lower and upper tool parts in relation to one another. A robot having a robot arm is constructed to move into a work zone of the stamping press, when the stamping press is open and thereby enable a laser device disposed on the robot arm to perform suitable cutting operations of the plastic part.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes an exposing step in which a laser beam for recording modulated by an information signal corresponding to an information signal of an information concave and convex pattern formed on the optical disc is applied to an inorganic resist layer 101 formed on a substrate 100 to form an exposed pattern corresponding to the information concave and convex pattern on the optical disc, and a development step in which a concave and convex pattern corresponding to the information concave and convex pattern by the inorganic resist layer is formed. By applying a laser beam for estimation to a predetermined area on the inorganic resist layer in the exposing step to estimate recorded signal characteristics of the exposed pattern by the inorganic resist layer using reflected light of the laser beam for estimation, and controlling power of the laser beam for recording based on the estimated result, the aimed information recording on the optical disc can reliably be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or producing a container from a thermoplastic blank (2), comprising: a step in which the blank (2) is heated using at least one beam (22) of coherent electromagnetic radiation, and a step in which the container is formed from the bank (2) thus heated. The invention also relates to an installation (1) which is used to produce containers (2) and which comprises a unit (16) for heating the blanks (2) in order to form containers from the blanks (2) thus heated. The inventive installation (1) defines a path (23) along which the blanks (2) travel inside the heating unit (16). In addition, the heating unit (16) comprises at least one coherent electromagnetic radiation source (26) which is directed towards a zone (25) that is located on the aforementioned path (23).

Abstract: A jig for holding a core which comprises a movable platform, a base positioned on the movable platform which has a receiving hole, and an inserter positioned inside the receiving hole of the base, shaped corresponding to the shape of the receiving hole, to fasten the core to the inserter. The inserter comprises a core receiving hole, a plurality of positioning recesses disposed symmetrically in the periphery of the core receiving hole, a plurality of positioning blocks received in the positioning recesses, and a plurality of resilient elements received in a space between the positioning recesses and the positioning blocks to hold the core firmly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical method that enables the direct design of a pattern on an organic substrate having semiconductor-, superconductor- or metallic-type conducting properties. The invention also relates to the organic material thus obtained, which is intended for use in electronic devices, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, sensors or electrodes among others, or for use in other applications requiring a determined pattern of conductor or semiconductor zones and less-conducting, non-conducting or insulating zones.

Abstract: In a method for producing a weakened zone, in particular a predetermined breaking point for an airbag exit opening, in a carrier part equipped on the visible side with a decorative material, in particular a leather decoration, the carrier part is provided with a weakened section using first process, and weakening of the decorative material is performed through the weakened section of the carrier part using a second process. The weakening of the carrier part and the weakening of the decorative material taking place temporally close to one another, in particular at the same time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a component and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A polymeric tube is positioned on a polymeric mandrel and then laser cut to form an implantable medical device, such as a stent. The method reduces contamination of the inner surface of the stent, which would be caused if conventional glass or metal mandrels are used, while simultaneously reducing damage to the inner surface of the stent due to the shielding effect of the polymeric mandrel.

Abstract: Extruded, striped drinking straws are formed by coextruding at least two polymers of different color through a common extruder to form an elongated tube. An oscillator consisting of a pair of rolls supported for rotation about their central axes, extending normally to the extension of the tube, bear against opposed sides of the tube and are reciprocated in opposing directions so as to rotate the tube by a gear and spline mechanism. A straight puller draws the tube out of the extruder and through the twisting oscillator and a cutter forms the tube into straw lengths at the output of the puller.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a disk shaped component comprising fabricating a disk shaped component using a composite material having at least a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is disposed at and proximate to a center portion of the disk shaped component and the second material is disposed at and proximate to a rim of the disk shaped component, wherein the first material comprises a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a first stress value and a first oxidation resistance, and the second material comprises a second coefficient of thermal expansion, a second stress value and a second oxidation resistance, wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, the first stress value is greater than the second stress value and the first oxidation resistance is less than the second oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for the production of a ceramic shaped body (22), comprising the following steps: production or provision of a green body (10) having a structured surface region (12), irradiation of at least the structured surface region (12), so that the green body (10) is consolidated in the region of a volume zone (16) including the structured surface region (12), but is not consolidated or is consolidated to only a lesser degree in volume zones further from the surface, separation of the consolidated volume zone (16) including the structured surface region (12) from parts of the green body (10) which have not been consolidated or have been consolidated to only a lesser degree, and optionally scouring of the consolidated volume zone (16) obtained in this way.

Abstract: Through hole (3) for product, through holes (7a, 7b) for laminate recognition marks, through holes (8a, 8b) for an X-ray recognition marks are formed on prepreg sheet (1) having mold release films (2a, 2b) attached to the front and back surfaces thereof. By masking through holes (7a, 7b) for laminate recognition mark, conductive paste (4) is filled in through hole (3) for product and through holes (8a, 8b) for X-ray recognition marks. Thereafter, mold release films (2a, 2b) are removed so as to manufacture a circuit board. Since conductive paste (4) is not filled in through holes (7a, 7b) for laminate recognition marks, a recognition mark with high laminating accuracy can be easily obtained, and a high density and high quality circuit formation substrate having improved laminating accuracy can be obtained.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical closure is made from rubber or thermoplastic elastomer and has an amount of TiO2 present in the closure. The closure has a marking made by laser thereon. A method for manufacturing the closure consists of producing a rubber sheet, forming a plurality of closures on the rubber sheet, with the closures remaining integrally connected with each other through remaining sheet parts, marking each of the closures with a laser marking, and separating the closures from each other by punching.

Abstract: An expanded graphite is derived from a graphitic or partially graphitic starting material selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, compressed expanded graphite, partially oxidized graphite and/or graphite fibers having a BET surface area of >30 m2/g. The expanded graphite is obtained by reaction of the starting material with substances capable of intercalation or mixtures of substances capable of intercalation to give a compound designated as an intercalation compound and subsequent expansion in plasma.