Abstract: A piezoelectric composition containing: at least one or more elements selected from alkali metal elements; at least one or more elements selected from a group consisting of vanadium, niobium, and tantalum; copper or copper and germanium; and oxygen. The piezoelectric composition has a main phase, and a high Cu-concentration phase in which a content ratio of copper is higher than the main phase, and when a content ratio of oxygen in the high Cu-concentration phase is set as Og, and a content ratio of copper is set as Cug, Og and Cug satisfy relationships of 51?Og?60 and 2.0?Cug?15.

Abstract: Described are methods for manufacturing a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such methods, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. The method for the manufacture of a plastic component includes loading a mold with a first material includes particles of an expanded material and fusing the surfaces of the particles by supplying energy. The energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.

Abstract: Presented are an apparatus and method for enclosing. An exemplary apparatus includes a bag having at least a first opening and a second opening, the bag comprising a first sheet coupled to a second sheet along a periphery of the first sheet and the second sheet, and a first closing device coupled to the first opening, the first closing device able to repeatedly open and seal the first opening. The apparatus further includes a second closing device coupled to the second opening, the second closing device able to repeatedly open and seal the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a tablet including at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the shape of said tablet includes at least one major face wherein: (i) the peak penetration resistance at the perimeter of said major face of the tablet is at least about 10% greater than the peak penetration resistance at the center of said major face; and (ii) the tablet disintegrates in the mouth when placed on the tongue in less than about 30 seconds, and a machine and method for manufacture of such tablet.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content.

Abstract: A micro-conformal nanoimprint lithography template includes a backing layer and a nanopatterned layer adhered to the backing layer. The elastic modulus of the backing layer exceeds the elastic modulus of the nanopatterned layer. The micro-conformal nanoimprint lithography template can be used to form a patterned layer from an imprint resist on a substrate, the substrate having a micron-scale defect, such that an excluded distance from an exterior surface of the micron-scale defect to the patterned layer formed by the nanoimprint lithography template is less than a height of the defect. The nanoimprint lithography template can be used to form multiple imprints with no reduction in feature fidelity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously polishing the inner and outer surfaces of an unpolished polymeric stent using a heat process. The unpolished stent can be mounted, for example, on a “spiral-mandrel,” a tubular helical structure with gaps in between a series of coils of the structure. Heat from a heat source can then applied to the spiral-mandrel at a range between the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer of the stent.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features a method of manufacturing a solid dosage form, the method including the steps of: (a) measuring an amount of a first powder blend within a dosing nozzle, wherein the first powder blend includes a pharmaceutically active agent; (b) discharging the measured amount of a first powder blend from the dosing nozzle into a forming cavity within a die block, the forming cavity having an inner wall, a first opening at the surface of one side of the die block, and a second opening at the surface on the opposite side of the die block; (c) moving a first forming tool into the forming cavity through the first opening of the forming cavity such that the first powder blend is formed into the shape of the dosage form within the forming cavity between the inner wall, the first forming tool and a second forming tool within or adjacent to the cavity; (d) applying RF energy between a first electrode and a second electrode such that the energy heats the first powder blend within the fo

Abstract: The present invention features a process for making a lozenge product including the steps of forming a powder blend containing an amorphous carbohydrate polymer into the desired shape of the lozenge product and applying radiofrequency energy to the shape for a sufficient period of time to soften or melt said amorphous carbohydrate polymer to fuse the shape into said lozenge product.

Abstract: A hollow carbon sphere having a carbon shell and an inner core is disclosed. The hollow carbon sphere has a total volume that is equal to a volume of the carbon shell plus an inner free volume within the carbon shell. The inner free volume is at least 25% of the total volume. In some instances, a nominal diameter of the hollow carbon sphere is between 10 and 180 nanometers.

Abstract: A method of making a molded article from two or more different formable materials having different molding temperatures in a single heating or molding cycle. One of the formable materials is selected as a reference material, and the remaining formable materials are modified so that all of the formable materials reach their respective molding temperatures at substantially the same time. Preferably, each of the remaining formable materials is modified by mixing a suitable amount of an additive therewith so as to adjust the power factor of the formable material. All of the formable materials are then placed in a flow molding apparatus whereby an alternating dielectric field is applied across the formable materials to form the molded article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for heating preforms of a thermoplastic material, the preforms, after having been heated, being subjected to a reshaping operation, and microwaves being applied to the preforms, at least during a portion of the period of heating, in a resonator.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to coated substrates comprising a substrate having a surface, a cationic polymer layer adjacent the surface of the substrate, an anionic polymer layer adjacent the cationic polymer layer and methods for producing and using same. In one aspect, the cationic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a first compound having the structure: In a further aspect, the anionic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a compound having the structure: In a yet further aspect, at least one nanoparticle or microparticle is positioned within one or both of the anionic polymer layer and the cationic polymer layer. In a still further aspect, the outermost polymer layer has a surface having fractal characteristics. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention features a tablet containing a first layer and a second layer, wherein: (i) the first layer includes a pharmaceutically active agent and the composition of the first layer is different from the composition of the second layer; (ii) the tablet has a density less than about 0.8 g/cc; and (iii) the tablet disintegrates in the mouth when placed on the tongue in less than about 30 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor-grade copolyester composition having radio-frequency sealing capability. The present invention further relates to films and thermoformable packaging prepared from the reactor-grade copolyester composition.

Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a process for making a tablet by compacting a powder blend in a die platen to form a tablet shape, wherein the powder blend includes a pharmaceutically active agent and a water-containing material, and applying energy to the tablet shape for a sufficient period of time to heat the water-containing material within the tablet shape above its dehydration temperature to form the tablet.

Abstract: The present invention features a process for making a lozenge product including the steps of forming a powder blend containing an amorphous carbohydrate polymer into the desired shape of the lozenge product and applying radiofrequency energy to the shape for a sufficient period of time to soften or melt said amorphous carbohydrate polymer to fuse the shape into said lozenge product.

Abstract: The present invention features a process for making a tablet by (i) compacting a powder blend in a die to form a tablet shape, wherein the powder blend contains a pharmaceutically active agent and a meltable binder and (ii) applying radiofrequency energy to the tablet shape for a sufficient period of time to soften or melt the binder within said tablet shape to form the tablet.

Abstract: A process for making a nicotine-comprising chewing gum by (i) dispensing a powder portion from a gum-base-comprising powder, (ii) optionally shaping said powder portion into a powder aggregate, and (iii) applying sufficient electromagnetic energy (EM energy) to said powder portion or said powder aggregate to transform said powder portion or said powder aggregate into said chewing gum, whereby said EM energy is Radio Frequency (RF) energy, MicroWave (MW) energy, InfraRed (IR) energy or UltraViolet (UV) energy or combinations thereof. The invention also features a chewing gum made by such process. The chewing gum may comprise one or more deposits.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly composite material for use in the manufacture of professional grade skateboard decks and other high quality equipment and sporting gear. In the one embodiment, a skateboard deck is manufactured from a composition of recycled hard rock maple wood fibers, a polyvinyl acetate adhesive, a cross-link catalyst and water. The malleable nature of the composite material prior to curing, allows the skateboard deck to attain virtually any desired shape. Differing composites and adhesives may be employed to achieve the a similar product when properly cured. Once cured, the composite material is light weight, strong, durable, and requires no lacquers or other sealers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite powder of polymer powder and porous glass beads, and to the use of this composite powder for shaping processes, and also to mouldings produced from this composite powder.

Abstract: A simple and direct methodology for synthesis of polycrystalline silicon sheets is demonstrated in our invention, where silica (SiO2) and elemental carbon (C) are reacted under RF or MW excitation. These polycrystalline silicon sheets can be directly used as feedstock/substrates for low cost photovoltaic solar cell fabrication. Other techniques, such as textured polycrystalline silicon substrate formation, in situ doping, and in situ formation of p-n junctions, are described, which make use of processing equipments and scheme setups of various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A medical balloon having a resistance to circumferential tearing comprises a substantially cylindrical portion disposed between first and second tapered portions that have a decreasing cross-sectional area along a length thereof away from the cylindrical portion. The substantially cylindrical portion includes first and second end portions and a midsection disposed therebetween. The midsection includes a first region having a first resistance to tearing and a second region having a second lower resistance to tearing, where the second region extends about only a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical portion and does not extend beyond the midsection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously polishing the inner and outer surfaces of an unpolished polymeric stent using a heat process. The unpolished stent can be mounted, for example, on a “spiral-mandrel,” a tubular helical structure with gaps in between a series of coils of the structure. Heat from a heat source can then applied to the spiral-mandrel at a range between the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention features an orally disintegrating dosage form including from about 5% to about 40%, by weight, of at least one hydrated salt and a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein the at least hydrated salt has a dehydration temperature of from about 20 to about 120° C.

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

Abstract: To form a seat/back of a mesh chair, firstly a piece of elastic mesh is cut into an elastic mesh part whose circumferential shape is the same as that of a seat/back of a mesh chair, secondly a frame is positioned on a periphery of the elastic mesh part, thirdly the periphery of the elastic mesh part is wrapped around and joined to the frame such that the elastic mesh part has a fixed shape, and finally the elastic mesh part together with the frame are positioned in a mold, and injection molding is carried out so as to form a plastic layer completely covering the periphery of the elastic mesh part and the frame; thus, a finished chair seat/back is formed with the elastic mesh part being securely joined to the frame.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for pre-conditioning inserts for improved replication during injection molding. The pre-conditioned inserts provide improved bonding with the injection-material and improved replication of complex molding surfaces. The pre-conditioning of the inserts comprises placing the insert in position against the molding surface, followed by heat-soaking the insert. Heat-soaking can be accomplished using infrared energy, preferably broadband infrared energy or energy that is preferentially absorbed by the insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for topically treating and drying fibrous web materials such as nonwoven web materials and nonwoven laminate materials without unduly damaging the materials due to excessive heating during drying.

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 provides a protective strap and the method of manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of providing an elongated strap-like base layer; printing a predetermined drawing on a surface of the base layer, wherein the drawing is formed of a plurality of color bits having a color different from that of the base layer; heating and pressurizing the color bits of the base layer at the same time to enable the base layer to form a plurality of concavities on its surface, wherein each of the color bits is positioned in one of the concavities.

Abstract: A process for producing a honeycomb structure, which comprises adding water to a mixed raw material of a raw material powder and a binder, kneading the mixture to obtain a plastic mixture, molding the plastic mixture into a honeycomb shape to obtain a green honeycomb structure, drying the structure by a step including hot-air drying, and firing the resulting dried honeycomb structure, wherein the binder contains hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as a major component. The process can produce a crack-free high-quality honeycomb structure rapidly at a low cost.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for pre-conditioning inserts for improved replication during injection molding. The pre-conditioned inserts provide improved bonding with the injection-material and improved replication of complex molding surfaces. The pre-conditioning of the inserts comprises placing the insert in position against the molding surface, followed by heat-soaking the insert. Heat-soaking can be accomplished using infrared energy, preferably broadband infrared energy or energy that is preferentially absorbed by the insert.

Abstract: A method facilitates fabricating a cellular cushion. The method comprises injecting material into a mold in an injection molding process to form a cushion first layer that includes a plurality of hollow cells that extend outward from the base and are each coupled together in flow communication, coupling a second layer to the first layer, and coupling an injection stem in flow communication to the plurality of hollow cells to enable an operating pressure within the cells to be changed.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for topically treating and drying fibrous web materials such as nonwoven web materials and nonwoven laminate materials without unduly damaging the materials due to excessive heating during drying.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of heating a golf ball component by using radio frequency waves to reduce the thermal expansion experienced by a golf ball component such as a core, core and at least one core layer or a core and a combination of core and/or intermediate layers. The component is heated prior to having a layer applied in order to reduce the dramatic temperature increase the component experiences upon an intermediate layer being applied. The preheating reduces the amount of thermal expansion the component undergoes in the casting process.

Abstract: A tear-resistant flexible hinge structure is placed between a pair of substantially rigid panels so as to permit the panels to be hinged one with respect to the other, where the flexible hinge is formed from a plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride. The hinge structure is formed under heat and pressure so as to comprise at least three parallel rows of alternating flat and raised portions, in staggered relationship. This causes a structure whereby any rip or tear which starts in the formed flexible hinge cannot continue because it will encounter a discontinuity in the configuration and thickness of the material, which precludes further propagation of the rip or tear. Typically, after the hinge structure has been formed, it is configured in a semi-circular cross section, re-heated and cooled, so as to set and have a memory in its closed configuration as opposed to the originally pre-formed flat, open configuration.

Abstract: A method of bonding tubular members comprising the steps of, providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material, the support member having a plurality of filaments providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments, inserting the exposed filaments into the lumen of the second tubular member, positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member, and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding

Abstract: Rubber plugs, which are to be used with medical containers or medical devices, are produced by forming a vulcanizable, mixed rubber compound, vulcanizing a resultant formed rubber compound, treating the rubber plug with steam of high temperature and high pressure, treating the rubber plugs in an aqueous solution which has been adjusted to be acidic, rinsing the rubber plugs with high-quality water, washing the rubber plugs with a shower of dust- and germ-free water, and drying the rubber plugs by at least one of far infrared radiation and high frequency heating. The process makes it possible to reduce the number of insoluble fine particles, which are attracted on a surface of each rubber plug, to an extremely low level and moreover, remove (or deactivate) pyrogen substances on and in the vicinity of the surface of the rubber plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoforming an article of fiber packaging from a fibrous slurry is provided. The apparatus includes first and second co-operable dies being adapted to receive the fibrous slurry therebetween. The apparatus includes at least one thermal mass mounted to at least one of the first and second dies. The apparatus includes at least one radio-frequency induction coil mounted to at least one of the first and second dies. The apparatus includes a power source in electrical communication with the at least one radio-frequency induction coil to supply radio-frequency energy thereto and wherein the coil is adapted to induce an electromagnetic field within one or more thermal masses to heat a respective die and thermoform the fibrous slurry into the article of fiber packaging. At least one of the first and second dies can include at least one sensor for measuring the temperature of the respective die.

Abstract: A tear-resistant flexible hinge structure is placed between a pair of substantially rigid panels so as to permit the panels to be hinged one with respect to the other, where the flexible hinge is formed from a plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride. The hinge structure is formed under heat and pressure so as to comprise at least three parallel rows of alternating flat and raised portions, in staggered relationship. This causes a structure whereby any rip or tear which starts in the formed flexible hinge cannot continue because it will encounter a discontinuity in the configuration and thickness of the material, which precludes further propagation of the rip or tear. Typically, after the hinge structure has been formed, it is configured in a semi-circular cross section, re-heated and cooled, so as to set and have a memory in its closed configuration as opposed to the originally pre-formed flat, open configuration.

Abstract: A method for forming hooks for a hook and loop fastener on an item extending from a portion of the item, forming the hooks with the item from material of the item that is melted into tubelets bent to an included angle of less than 90 degrees, by heat generated by the material in response to radio frequency energy passed into the material.

Abstract: A method of modifying at least part of the surface of a vulcanised rubber object including: (I) treating at least part of a surface of the vulcanised rubber object with at least one halogenating agent to provide a halogenated rubber surface; and (ii) treating the halogenated rubber surface with at least one multi-functional amine-containing organic compound to chemically bind said compound to the halogenated rubber surface; wherein the multifunctional amine containing organic compound consist of the elements carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen and optionally one of more of the elements oxygen, sulphur, halogen and phosphorous.

Abstract: An alkali metal-containing niobate-based piezoelectric material composition comprises a solid solution represented by a composition formula (ANbO3) (A: alkali metal), and at least one additive selected from Cu, Li and Ta.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing multi-layer peelable sheaths having formed tips, for use as medical introducer devices, e.g., sheaths for inserting a catheter or the like into a patient. The methods include the steps of preparing a first composition blend for forming an inner layer of the multi-layer sheath, preparing a second composition blend for forming an outermost layer of the multi-layer sheath, combining the first and the second composition blends into a multi-layer pre-form, processing the multi-layer pre-form for producing tubing, and forming a tip at one end of the tubing using a thermal process, thereby producing the multi-layer sheath having the inner layer, the outermost layer, and the formed tip. The methods of the present invention include adding a detectable material to the blend used for making the inner layer for facilitating external visualization of the multi-layer sheath, thereby achieving a sheath with a formed tip having no visible discoloration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making insignias with a raised design is capable of providing more aesthetic appearance to the insignias thus made. A base material consisting of a base sheet and a surface sheet overlaying the base sheet is prepared for making into an insignia. The base material is coating with a surface coating of decorative material. A bottom mold and an upper mold are used to press the base material to form raised design of patterns. The bottom and upper molds are coupled to a composite heating device including high-frequency induction and electric heating means for applying both high-frequency induction heat and electric heat to the base material while the upper molding is being pressed against the bottom mold. The upper mold is formed with a plurality of edge-defining blades for cutting an edge for the insignia, a plurality of pattern-defining blades for forming a pre-designed pattern on the insignia.

Abstract: An RF heating apparatus and method utilizing a mold positioned between a pair of electrodes across which an RF field may be applied to heat working material in a cavity of the mold. The material used to form the mold is selected such that its dielectric constant and parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field are equivalent the dielectric constant and parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field of the working material to achieve relatively uniform heating of said working material to a selected temperature. The parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field of a material generally comprises its power factor divided by the product of its density and specific heat, tan &dgr;/c&rgr;.

Abstract: A method for stretching plastic nets and grids having the peculiarity that it consists in subjecting the product to be stretched to irradiation with electromagnetic waves with a wavelength above the infrared range, so as to heat the product by dielectric loss, and in subjecting the product to traction in order to produce stretching in at least one direction. The method allows to substantially improve the ability of the polymer to absorb the energy in order to profitably perform the stretching process.

Abstract: A process is described for forming a body of whole untreated rice hulls by mixing with a heat setting binder. The mixture is formed into a generally desired formed shape of the body, e.g. in a mold or die. The temperature throughout the formed shape is raised until a parameter indicative of or associated with the start of setting of the binder reaches a predetermined level or is observed. The setting of the binder is progressed beyond the start of setting, preferably under different process conditions, until the binder has substantially fully cured. To raise the temperature of the body, an RF field can be applied to cause dielectric heating within the mixture until condensing steam is seen emerging from the body, whereupon application of the RF field is stopped. Another heating process suitable for a porous body comprises creating a pressure differential through the mass and introducing a heated fluid so that the heated fluid passes through the porous mass.