Abstract: The thermoplastic elastomer composition contains a thermoplastic elastomer and a pigment.

Abstract: Providing a solid body to be split into a number of layers of solid material, introducing or generating defects in the solid body in order to determine a first detachment plane (8) along which a first layer of solid material is separated from the solid body, providing a receiving layer for holding the layer of solid material on the solid body, applying heat to the receiving layer in order to generate, in particular mechanically, stresses in the solid body, due to the stresses a crack propagating in the solid body along the detachment plane, which crack separates the first layer of solid material from the solid body, then providing a second receiving layer for holding another layer of solid material on the solid body reduced by the first layer of solid material, introducing or generating defects in the solid body in order to determine a second detachment plane (9) along which a second layer of solid material is separated from the solid body, applying heat to the second receiving layer in order to generate, in

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating solid-body slices (1) from a donor substrate (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing multicolored three-dimensional objects. The method includes: selectively exposing a photosensitive thermoplastic feedstock to light within an extrusion nozzle, the feedstock comprising a thermoplastic base mixed with a photosensitive material; extruding the exposed feedstock into a deposit to print an object; and photo-chemically developing the deposit to provide color to the deposit. An apparatus is provided for three-dimensional printing with an extrusion nozzle including a light exposing component for selectively exposing the photosensitive thermoplastic feedstock to light within the extrusion nozzle.

Abstract: A film in which a decorative design layer is formed on a base film is positioned and locked relative to a cavity mold while the mold is open. A pressing portion includes a tip portion made of a soft material. The tip portion pushes the film toward the cavity mold and presses the film against a portion of the molding surface. In this state, vacuum suction causes the film to stick to the molding surface. After that, an article body is molded by injecting molten plastic into the cavity while the mold is clamped. The obtained decorative molded article includes the decorative design layer that decorates the design surface of the article body by causing the decorative design layer of the film to stick to the design surface of the article body.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing three-dimensional objects using superimposed layers is capable, for each layer to be manufactured, of applying a laser beam treatment to a layer of a pulverulent material or liquid placed in a sintering field. The device includes a galvanometric head able to steer a laser beam toward each point of a maximum sintering zone of the sintering field when the galvanometric head is positioned at a predetermined position. The device further includes limiting elements for limiting the steering of the laser beam to an effective sintering zone situated inside the maximum sintering zone, and movement elements for moving the galvanometric head in a plane parallel to that of the sintering field, allowing the galvanometric head to be positioned at at least two different positions, an effective sintering zone being associated with each position of the galvanometric head. An associated method of manufacturing three-dimensional objects is described.

Abstract: A method for producing layers of solid material is contemplated.

Abstract: An installation for consolidating a batt of fibers, for example a nonwoven web, includes a mechanical consolidation workstation using needlepunching from which the fiber batt emerges in a machine or MD direction. A device is provided downstream of the consolidation workstation for stretching in the cross or CD direction which is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the machine direction, and parallel to the plane of the batt, particularly before it is wound onto a reel. A consolidated nonwoven that can be obtained by the installation is also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing an infrared treatment includes the steps of receiving an extruded product and feeding the extruded product to an oven including at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a lamp, a reflective surface enclosing a first side of the lamp and positioned to direct radiation from the lamp, and a glass disposed between a second side of the lamp and an extruded product, wherein the glass separates the lamp and the extruded product. The method further includes the step of creating cross-linking between layers of the extruded product by directing the radiation at the extruded product. Still further, the method includes the steps of directing a first gas flow at a surface of the product and directing a second gas flow at the glass.

Abstract: An electric connector assembly includes a first terminal module, a second terminal module, a grounded metal plate, an insulating body, an inner shield casing and an outer shield casing. The first terminal module, the grounded metal plate and the second terminal module are spaced from one another and integrally formed and embedded into the insulating body, and a tongue plate is formed at a front section, so that the first terminal module and the second terminal module are disposed at upper and lower surfaces of the tongue plate respectively, and the grounded metal plate is completely covered by the insulating body, and the inner shield casing is fixed at a middle section of the insulating body, and the outer shield casing covers the exterior of the insulating body to form an engaging portion around the external space of the tongue plate.

Abstract: A method for performing an infrared treatment includes the steps of receiving an extruded product and feeding the extruded product to an oven including at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a lamp, a reflective surface enclosing a first side of the lamp and positioned to direct radiation from the lamp, and a glass disposed between a second side of the lamp and an extruded product, wherein the glass separates the lamp and the extruded product. The method further includes the step of creating cross-linking between layers of the extruded product by directing the radiation at the extruded product. Still further, the method includes the steps of directing a first gas flow at a surface of the product and directing a second gas flow at the glass at an intensity, direction, and temperature that prevents the glass from becoming an infrared source.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches means for removing and replacing a printed component during the printing process and accurately placing the component in the printer for continuation of the printing process. This can be accomplished through the use of a scanner, probe machine, or scanning Additionally, the present invention teaches the use of heating means in combination with a 3D printer to overcome additional issues with multi-sage printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastic receptacles includes a transport device which transports the receptacles along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating device for heating the plastic receptacles. The heating device includes at least one radiation source which directs radiation at the plastic receptacles and at least one first reflector element which reflects radiation emitted from the radiation source. The apparatus includes a proportional reflection device which transmits radiation emitted by the radiation source with wavelengths in a first predetermined wavelength range onto the receptacle and reflects radiation with wavelengths in a second predetermined wavelength range onto the radiation source.

Abstract: A method for performing an infrared treatment includes the steps of receiving an extruded product and feeding the extruded product to an oven including at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a lamp, a reflective surface enclosing a first side of the lamp and positioned to direct radiation from the lamp, and a glass disposed between a second side of the lamp and an extruded product, wherein the glass separates the lamp and the extruded product. The method further includes the step of creating cross-linking between layers of the extruded product by directing the radiation at the extruded product. Still further, the method includes the steps of directing a first gas flow at a surface of the product and directing a second gas flow at the glass.

Abstract: This disclosure provides economical and effective methods and apparatus for repairing scratches and scuffs on refillable bottle surfaces that minimally contaminates the bottle during the refurbishing process. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: a) adding at least one fluid into the polymeric packaging material such as a bottle to form at least a partially filled packaging material; and b) applying at least one heat source to an exterior surface of the at least partially filled packaging material to form a repaired polymeric packaging material. Apparatus and recycling systems that incorporate this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers comprising absorption pigments, which are distinguished by the fact that they have high absorption in the near IR region, and to the use thereof, in particular in thermoforming and in IR light welding.

Abstract: Decorative foamed articles are prepared from foamed pellets, beads, particles, or other articles of a thermoplastic elastomer infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid that can rapidly heat the article or with infrared or microwave radiation to heat and foam the pellets, beads, particles, or other articles that are then molded into the articles. The pellets are dyed with a nonionic or anionic dye one of: (1) before being infused with the supercritical fluid, (2) during being infused with the supercritical fluid by a nonionic or anionic dye dissolved or dispersed in the supercritical fluid, which optionally comprises a polar liquid, (3) during immersion in the heated fluid, where the heated fluid contains the dye, or (4) after being foamed.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed. The polymer tube is disposed within a mold and may be heated with radiation. The heated tube radially expands within the mold.

Abstract: Method of heating a blank (2) of plastic material for the manufacture of a hollow body by forming from the blank (2), which comprises the operations consisting of: inserting the blank (2) into an oven (7) provided with sources (9) of monochromatic or pseudo-monochromatic electromagnetic radiation emitting in the infrared range; exposing the blank (2) to the radiation from the sources (9), adjusted to a predetermined emission power for a predetermined exposure time; measuring a temperature on an outer wall (16) of the blank (2); Characterized in that it comprises an operation consisting of: adjusting the exposure time and/or the emission power so that said temperature at an exit from the oven (2) [sic: (7)], does not fall between Tg and 1.8·Tg, where Tg is the glass transition temperature of the material.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus that includes a holding unit, and performs an imprint process, including molding of an imprint material on a substrate held by the holding unit using a mold, curing of the molded imprint material, and releasing of the cured imprint material from the mold, to form a pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a first cure device configured to perform a first cure process for the imprint material molded by the mold prior to the releasing; and a second cure device configured to perform a second cure process for the imprint material on the substrate conveyed out from the holding unit after the releasing.

Abstract: Installation for heating the bodies (1) of thermoplastic preforms (2) with a view to manufacturing containers by blow-molding or stretch-blow-molding, while the preforms (2) are being moved along with their bodies (1) following a predetermined path (T), this installation comprising at least one directional source (5) of electromagnetic radiation directed towards a location (E) on the path (T); the source (5) is inclined by an angle (?) of between about 60° and 10° and preferably less than about 45°, with respect to the tangent (6) to the path (T) at the location (E); thus, the electromagnetic radiation can pass through several preform bodies or parts of bodies without being appreciably reflected back towards the source (5).

Abstract: A polyimide film which rarely undergoes the formation of bubbles, blisters or the like, even when heated to a high temperature; and a production method and a production apparatus for the polyimide film. The polyimide film production apparatus includes a support body, a cast furnace and a cure furnace, wherein the cure furnace is partitioned into multiple zones so that the temperature of a self-supporting film can be increased in a stepwise manner, and an infrared electric heater, which is disposed at a predetermined distance from the film, is arranged in a zone for heating the atmosphere of the self-supporting film to a temperature of 450° C. or higher on the upper surface side and/or the lower surface side of the self-supporting film. The polyimide production apparatus enables the production of a polyimide film which has a volatile content of 0.1 mass % or less after being heated at 450° C. for 20 minutes.

Abstract: Method for producing a microfluidic device comprising a step in which a stamp made of elastomeric material is used for printing a photo-curable and/or heat-curable liquid disposed on a support.

Abstract: A method for producing an injection-molded product includes steps of placing, in an injection mold, a heat-shrinkable resin sheet having region A and region B which have different surface temperatures when irradiated with infrared rays; integrating the resin sheet with an injection molding resin by injecting the injection molding resin into the mold; and, before the resin sheet is placed in the injection mold or before the integration step after the placing of the resin sheet in the injection mold, irradiating the resin sheet with infrared rays so that the surface temperatures of region A and region B are different from each other and the surface temperature of at least region A is equal to or higher than an orientation release stress inflection point temperature T of the resin sheet, thereby forming a difference in thickness between regions A and B.

Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container having at least two distinct chambers, and is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.

Abstract: A process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer, and transporting the nonwoven web through at least one infrared solvent stripping station wherein infrared radiation irradiates the nonwoven web in the absence of a solvent stripping fluid impinging on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

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: A method of making a microneedle array structure (20) comprising a plurality of simultaneously formed microneedles (24), each microneedle (24) having a protrusion (32) and a passageway (34) extending therethrough. The method comprises the steps of pressing an embossable sheet material between a complimentary tools and radiantly heating the sheet material using radiant energy from a radiant energy source. One tool is relatively-radiantly-transparent, and another tool and/or the sheet material is relatively-radiantly-absorptive.

Abstract: A method for performing an infrared treatment includes the steps of receiving an extruded product and feeding the extruded product to an oven including at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a lamp, a reflective surface enclosing a first side of the lamp and positioned to direct radiation from the lamp, and a glass disposed between a second side of the lamp and an extruded product, wherein the glass separates the lamp and the extruded product. The method further includes the step of creating cross-linking between layers of the extruded product by directing the radiation at the extruded product. Still further, the method includes the steps of directing a first gas flow at a surface of the product and directing a second gas flow at the glass at an intensity, direction, and temperature that prevents the glass from becoming an infrared source.

Abstract: A fluidic channel system is provided. The fluidic channel system includes a light projection apparatus, a fluidic channel, and a rail. The light projection apparatus provides light. A photocurable fluid, which is selectively cured by the light, flows inside the fluidic channel. A fine structure which is to be formed by curing the photocurable fluid moves along the rail.

Abstract: In a method for producing a free-standing solid state layer, a solid state material is provided having at least one surface available for layer formation thereon and a layer of polymer is formed on the available surface. The solid state material and polymer layer are then exposed to a change in local temperature from a first temperature that is no greater than about 300° C. to a second temperature below about room temperature to cause the solid state material to fracture along a plane at a depth in the material, to produce at least one free-standing solid state layer from the solid state material.

Abstract: Provided is by the present invention is a method for producing an EVOH resin having sufficient long-run workability in melt molding and enabling prevention of coloring such as yellowing, an EVOH resin obtained by this method for production, and a laminate obtained from this resin. The present invention is a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, the method including a step of saponifying an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer to obtain an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, in which the method is characterized by further including a step of irradiating the ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer or the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with an infrared ray.

Abstract: A mixture of an elastomer, carbon black, and inorganic fillers provides a highly useful laser-ablatable flexographic printing plate precursor formulation. This formulation is sensitive to infrared radiation. Both flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves can be made using the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-shrinkable polyester film which, even when stored in an outside warehouse which is not temperature-controlled during a hot summer, does not result in the film shrinking (so-called natural shrinkage); which further has a low decrease in shrinkage rate in the main shrinkage direction, and which can be attached aesthetically and efficiently without changing the temperature conditions for causing heat shrinkage when attaching as a label by heat-shrinking the same to a container (e.g., a plastic bottle). The disclosed heat-shrinkable polyester film comprises a polyester resin having ethylene terephthalate as a main component and containing at least 7 mol % of at least one monomer capable of forming an amorphous component in the whole component of polyester resin. In the heat-shrinkable polyester film, the 80° C.-120° C.

Abstract: A method for producing continuous-fiber-reinforced molded parts from thermoplastic plastics. The method includes several steps. In a first step, preparing cut-to-size, substantially flat, unidirectionally fiber-reinforced mats are prepared with a thermoplastic matrix which at least partially surrounds the fibers. In a second step, the mats are transferred to a workpiece carrier which predetermines the rough contour of the molded part. In a third step, the mats are deposited and progressively built up on the workpiece carrier to form a three-dimensional preform such that the fiber orientation of the mats is adapted to the forces applied during the subsequent use of the molded part and to the load paths resulting therefrom within the molded part. In a fourth step, the mats are secured in place relative to each other during or after completion of the build-up of the perform. In a fifth step, the preform is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic matrix of the perform.

Abstract: A resin forming method and a resin forming apparatus for obtaining a resin formed product, by filling a cavity of a rubber-made mold with a thermoplastic resin, and cooling the thermoplastic resin. When filling the cavity with the thermoplastic resin, an electromagnetic wave generator is used, and electromagnetic waves having an intensity peak in a wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 ?m are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin from the surface of the mold, and thereby the thermoplastic resin is heated selectively from the mold. The thermoplastic resin is an ABS resin which either a noncrystalline thermoplastic resin, or is a rubber modified thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube. The resin layer is removed with a laser beam. More particularly, the resin layer of a desired range is burned out by focusing the laser beam into a pinpoint without defocusing the sectional shape of the laser beam in the axial direction o the resin-coated metal tube.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic resin molded product, comprising: a placement step of placing a thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A into a cavity 22 of a rubber die 2 made of a rubber material; a particle heating step of irradiating the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A in the cavity 22 with electromagnetic waves having wavelengths ranging from 0.78 to 2 ?m through the rubber die 2, thereby heating to melt the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A; a filling step of filling a thermoplastic resin 6 in a molten state into a space 220 left in the cavity 22; and a cooling step of cooling a thermoplastic resin 6 in the cavity 22 thereby obtaining a thermoplastic resin molded product.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chamfered edge with depth d along at least one edge of an upper surface of a plate shaped object, of which at least an upper layer comprises a thermoplastic (or similar) material, comprises the steps of heating the plate shaped object near to said edge; engaging the respective edge of said upper surface with pressure means for forming said chamfered edge by locally displacing material of the upper layer in a downward direction while displacing a substantially corresponding amount of material of the object in a substantially sideward direction outward of the original boundaries of the object; and removing the amount of material which has been displaced outward of the original boundaries of the object. Further a plate shaped object with an upper surface provided with a chamfered edge along at least one of the edges of said upper surface is provided.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a cell culture chamber formed by a first major surface, an opposing second major surface spaced apart from the first major surface, and a first side wall around the first chamber and extending between the first and second major surfaces. A portion of the first sidewall proximate the first major surface comprises an infrared absorbent material, and a portion the first sidewall proximate the second major surface is formed from substantially non-infrared absorbent material. The first major surface is formed by a gas permeable polymeric film that is impermeable to cell culture liquid.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an infusion mesh for producing a curved rotor blade for a wind turbine rotor is provided. The method includes providing an infusion mesh including a polymer; placing the mesh into a curved mold and arranging the mesh to have the curved shape of the mold, and applying thermal energy to at least parts of the infusion mesh, so that at least parts of the mesh are heated to a melting temperature of the polymer material.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for producing carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles comprising providing a template comprising an anodized aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 20-200 nm; contacting the template with a solution containing nanoparticles; exposing the template and solution containing nanoparticles to sonication; removing the template from the solution; forming a carbon structure via chemical deposition of carbon on said template; and removing the template by exposing the template to a basic solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel solid dosage unit, preferably in the form of a film or thin troche, containing at least one pharmaceutical agent, and its method of manufacture, which involves introduction of a fluid containing at least one non-volatile material, such as a polymeric film forming substance, a volatile carrier and at least one pharmaceutical agent into a depression or cavity comprising the major element of the packaging film for the finished dosage unit (s), and removing the volatile carrier from the cavity by exposure to radiant energy, whereby the remaining non-volatile residue comprises the desired dosage unit. The packaging film can be subsequently lidded by conventional sealing methods to produce packaged dosage units which are suitable for sublingual and other oral applications.

Abstract: The present invention presents a resin forming method and a resin forming apparatus 1 for obtaining a resin formed product, by filling a cavity 21 of a rubber-made mold 2 with a thermoplastic resin 3, and cooling this thermoplastic resin 3. When filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3, electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is used, and electromagnetic waves having an intensity peak in a wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 ?m are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 from the surface of the mold 2, and thereby the thermoplastic resin 3 is heated selectively from the mold 2. The thermoplastic resin 3 is an ABS resin which either a noncrystalline thermoplastic resin, or is a rubber modified thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A process for producing fibre preforms for composite material components makes it possible to directly produce complex geometries in a flexible and low-cost manner by applying a plurality of dry fibre rovings independently of one another even in spatially uneven contours. It is no longer necessary to use cut fabric strips since fibre preforms are produced straight from the dry fibre rovings. This obviates the need to carry out production, transport and order picking processes. It is not necessary to cut fibre strips to size, and therefore a saving may be made on material. In addition, it is possible to increase the mechanical characteristic values in the composite material because it is not necessary to sew fibre webs. The described process can also readily be scaled since the number of dry fibre rovings arranged next to one another make it possible to vary the area which can be covered.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic resin molded product, comprising: a placement step of placing a thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A into a cavity 22 of a rubber die 2 made of a rubber material; a particle heating step of irradiating the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A in the cavity 22 with electromagnetic waves having wavelengths ranging from 0.78 to 2 ?m through the rubber die 2, thereby heating to melt the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A; a filling step of filling a thermoplastic resin 6 in a molten state into a space 220 left in the cavity 22; and a cooling step of cooling a thermoplastic resin 6 in the cavity 22 thereby obtaining a thermoplastic resin molded product.

Abstract: A plastic end disk for a hollow-cylindrical filter element has an end face plastic layer and a neighboring plastic layer. The end face plastic layer is transparent for infrared radiation. The neighboring plastic layer is absorbent for infrared radiation. The plastic end disk is connected to a folded filter medium in that the end face plastic layer is trans-irradiated with an infrared radiation source, wherein the infrared radiation is absorbed in the neighboring plastic layer so that a portion of the neighboring plastic layer and a portion of the end face plastic layer are completely melted. The infrared radiation source is removed and the filter medium is pressed into a melted area of the end face plastic layer. The filter medium is secured in the pressed-in position in the end face plastic layer until a fixed connection of filter medium and end face plastic layer has been formed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features a process for making a tablet including a pharmaceutically active agent wherein the tablet has both an immediate release region and a modified release region. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a tablet shape including a powder blend containing a pharmaceutically active agent and a thermally-sensitive material; and (b) applying energy in different amounts to different regions of the tablet shape to form the tablet in a manner such that: (i) a first region of the tablet shape is exposed to said energy for a sufficient period of time to melt the thermally-sensitive material within the first region to form said modified release region of said tablet; and (ii) a second region of said tablet shape is not so exposed to the energy such that said second region forms the immediate release region of said tablet.

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.